Quick answer
Huntsville costs $840/month less overall ($1,775 vs $2,615/mo). Huntsville also has lower state income tax (5% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Huntsville vs Long Beach
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Huntsville vs Long Beach at a Glance
| Metric | Huntsville | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,250 ✓ | $2,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 ✓ | $2,650 |
| Median Home Price | $395K ✓ | $825K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $360 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,775 ✓ | $2,615 |
| Walk Score | 50/100 | 76/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 28/100 | 72/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 5% ✓ | 9.3% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Huntsville's 1BR averages $1,250/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $800/month difference, or $9,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Huntsville charges 5% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $3,440/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $6,000 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Huntsville are $395K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $86,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $165/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Huntsville
Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Warm summers (80-90°F), mild springs/falls, cool winters (40-50°F). Moderate rainfall year-round.
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Job Market
Huntsville top industries
Long Beach top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Huntsville if…
- →You're a Aerospace & tech professionals
- →You're a Families seeking strong schools + tech job market
- →You're a Remote workers in tech
- →You're a Those relocating from California or Northeast
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huntsville or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Huntsville is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,775 in Huntsville vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $840/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Huntsville or Long Beach?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 50/100. Huntsville is more car-dependent.
Huntsville vs Long Beach: which has lower state income tax?
Huntsville has lower state income tax (5%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,440/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Huntsville or Long Beach better for buying a home?
Huntsville has lower median home prices at $395K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $430,000 difference on the median home.