Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Baltimore is 8% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,290/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 16%
$59,623/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 19%
$219,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$263,100 ↑ 20%
$1,333/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 22%
577,193
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $11,155/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Baltimore or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Huntsville?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Huntsville?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $11,155/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Alabama?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Huntsville details →

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