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

San Bernardino

California

109

Huntsville

Alabama

San Bernardino is 31% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,433/mo ↑ 33%

Median Rent

$1,078/mo ↓ 25%

$63,988/yr ↓ 10%

Median Income

$70,778/yr ↑ 11%

$384,900 ↑ 46%

Home Value

$263,100 ↓ 32%

$1,478/mo ↑ 41%

Owner Costs

$1,046/mo ↓ 29%

221,774

Population

218,814

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

5.0%

7.25%

Sales Tax

4.0%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.41%

Affordability

26.9%

rent-to-income

Affordability

18.3%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $6,790/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Huntsville — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Huntsville cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 109 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Huntsville?

Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $355/month.

Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Huntsville?

Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $6,790/year higher in Huntsville.

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 San Bernardino or Huntsville?

It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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.