Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
41% cheaper
Huntsville is 41% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $44,032 in Huntsville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $440,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Huntsville scores 96 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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