Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Huntsville is 43% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $42,656 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $540,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Huntsville scores 96 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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