Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Sacramento is 69% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,694/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 36%
$83,753/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 15%
$484,600 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 46%
$1,752/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
524,802
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $12,975/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Sacramento or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Huntsville?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Huntsville?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $12,975/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Huntsville details →

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