Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Huntsville is 29% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $53,320 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Huntsville scores 96 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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