Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Chicago is 28% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,380/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 22%
$75,134/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 6%
$315,200 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 17%
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 30%
2,707,648
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $4,356/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Chicago or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Huntsville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Huntsville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $4,356/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Huntsville details →

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