Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Atlanta is 56% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,617/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 33%
$81,938/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 14%
$420,600 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 37%
$1,695/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
499,287
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $539/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,468/year.

Median household income is $11,160/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Atlanta or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Huntsville?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $539/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Huntsville?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $11,160/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Huntsville details →

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