Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Boston is 126% more expensive than Huntsville.

$2,093/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 48%
$94,755/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 25%
$710,400 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 63%
$2,176/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 52%
663,972
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,015/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $12,180/year.

Median household income is $23,977/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Boston or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Huntsville?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $1,015/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Huntsville?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $23,977/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alabama?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Huntsville details →

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