Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Durham is 35% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 24%
$79,234/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 11%
$355,300 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 26%
$1,434/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 27%
288,465
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $8,456/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Durham or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Huntsville?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Huntsville?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $8,456/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Huntsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Huntsville

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana