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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Dallas is 24% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,403/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 23%
$67,760/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 4%
$295,300 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 11%
$1,409/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 26%
1,299,553
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $3,018/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Dallas or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Huntsville?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Huntsville?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $3,018/year higher in Huntsville.
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 Dallas or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Huntsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Huntsville

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana