Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Arlington is 22% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,389/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 22%
$73,519/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 4%
$276,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 5%
$1,420/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 26%
394,769
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $2,741/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Arlington or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Huntsville?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Huntsville?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $2,741/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Huntsville details →

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