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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Austin is 72% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,655/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 35%
$91,461/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 23%
$512,700 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 49%
$1,747/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
967,862
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $20,683/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Austin or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Huntsville?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Huntsville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $20,683/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Huntsville details →

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