Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Albuquerque and Huntsville have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ≈ Same
$65,604/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 8%
$266,700 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 1%
$1,149/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 9%
562,488
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,174/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Huntsville?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Huntsville?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $5,174/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Alabama?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Huntsville details →

More Comparisons

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