Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Columbus is 6% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,224/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 12%
$65,327/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 8%
$234,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$263,100 ↑ 12%
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 16%
906,480
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $5,451/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Columbus or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Huntsville?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Huntsville?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $5,451/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Alabama?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Huntsville details →

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