Median rent is 45% lower in Huntsville ($1,078/mo vs $1,962/mo). Buying is cheaper in Huntsville, where the median home runs $263,100 versus $617,800. Households earn more in Oxnard ($93,372 vs $70,778 a year). Taken together, Oxnard is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 88.3 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Oxnard, CA.
Quick verdict
Oxnard is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Oxnard vs 88.3 in Huntsville (US average = 100)
City A
Huntsville, AL
City B
Oxnard, CA
How much would you need to earn in Oxnard, CA to maintain your standard of living from Huntsville, AL?
Equivalent salary in Oxnard, CA
$74,161
You could earn $839 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Huntsville
Alabama
Oxnard
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Huntsville — median rent of $1,078/mo versus $1,962/mo in Oxnard, a 45% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Oxnard: the median home is $617,800 versus $263,100 in Huntsville — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% versus 13.30% in California, so Huntsville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Alabama and 7.25% in California; Huntsville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Huntsville
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Oxnard
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Huntsville has cleaner air on average: 52.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 63.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Oxnard if you prioritize higher median household income ($93,372/yr).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,078/mo median).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 52.0).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.00%).
Is Huntsville cheaper than Oxnard?
Oxnard is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 88.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Oxnard.
How much is rent in Huntsville vs Oxnard?
Median rent is $1,078/mo in Huntsville, AL and $1,962/mo in Oxnard, CA. Huntsville, AL has the lower rent by about 45%.
Which has higher salaries — Huntsville or Oxnard?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville, AL and $93,372 in Oxnard, CA. Oxnard, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Huntsville, AL has better air quality on average: 52.0 AQI versus 63.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Huntsville or Oxnard?
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% and California's is 13.30%. Huntsville, AL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Oxnard to match my Huntsville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Huntsville, AL is equivalent to roughly $98,881 in Oxnard, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology