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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Arlington is 160% more expensive than Huntsville.

$2,275/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 53%
$140,160/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 50%
$864,800 ↑ 229%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 70%
$2,414/mo ↑ 131%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 57%
235,463
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,197/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $14,364/year.

Median household income is $69,382/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Huntsville?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $1,197/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Huntsville?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $69,382/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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