City comparison
No. Huntsville's crime index is 134 versus 143 in Anaheim, and its violent crime index is 127 versus 165, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Huntsville is cheaper. Median rent is $1,171 a month versus $2,175 in Anaheim.
The cost gap between Anaheim and Huntsville is the real story here. Huntsville comes in 46% cheaper on typical rent ($2,175 vs $1,171), which over a year adds up to $12,048. Median household income runs $95,227 in Anaheim and $74,714 in Huntsville.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Huntsville costs less and Anaheim pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Huntsville at $1,171 average has pockets that run $971 and others at $1,571: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Anaheim and Huntsville are 1,782 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $2,175 a month in Anaheim to $1,171 a month in Huntsville, down $1,004 a month (46%).
Median household income goes from $95,227 in Anaheim to $74,714 in Huntsville, down $20,513 (22%).
The crime index goes from 143 in Anaheim to 134 in Huntsville, down 9 points (6%).
The move
Huntsville and Anaheim are 1,782 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,171 a month in Huntsville to $2,175 a month in Anaheim, up $1,004 a month (86%).
Median household income goes from $74,714 in Huntsville to $95,227 in Anaheim, up $20,513 (27%).
The crime index goes from 134 in Huntsville to 143 in Anaheim, up 9 points (7%).
Anaheim, CA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Huntsville, AL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Anaheim and Huntsville? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
46% cheaper
Huntsville rent is 46% cheaper than Anaheim
Anaheim
$2,175/mo
Huntsville
Winner$1,171/mo
Typical rent runs $1,171 a month in Huntsville versus $2,175 in Anaheim, so Huntsville is 46% cheaper. That's roughly $1,004/month back in your pocket ($12,048/year). Over five years that's $60,240 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Anaheim, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Huntsville is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Huntsville? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
27% higher
Anaheim's median income is 27% higher than Huntsville
Anaheim
Winner$95,227
Huntsville
$74,714
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim versus $74,714 in Huntsville, so typical pay runs 27% higher in Anaheim (about $20,513 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Anaheim is the stronger labor market on paper. Huntsville can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
6% lower crime
Huntsville's crime index is 6% lower than Anaheim
Anaheim
143 (100 = avg)
Huntsville
Winner134 (100 = avg)
Huntsville's crime index is 134 versus 143 in Anaheim (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 6% lower in Huntsville. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Huntsville, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Anaheim. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
6% more comfortable
Anaheim weather is 6% more comfortable than Huntsville
Anaheim
Winner76°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Huntsville
63°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 94/100
Anaheim averages about 76°F (83°F highs); Huntsville averages about 63°F (74°F highs). Anaheim sits near 76°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Huntsville averages around 63°F. Anaheim scores 6% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Huntsville if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 27% higher ($95,227), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 76°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Huntsville is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 46% cheaper here at about $1,171 a month. Choose Huntsville if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Huntsville is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 6% lower than Anaheim (134 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Anaheim runs $2,175/month while Huntsville sits at $1,171 — roughly 46% lower on typical leases. Unless your offer letter is Anaheim-sized, that monthly gap compounds fast.
Huntsville rent at $1,171/month is still below Anaheim's $2,175, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 76°F in Anaheim and 63°F in Huntsville.
Between Anaheim and Huntsville, Huntsville is ahead on housing cost — $1,171/month rent against $2,175. Lean Anaheim instead when your $95,227 income offer in Anaheim outweighs saving $1,004/month in Huntsville.
Common questions
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