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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Houston is 13% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,313/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 18%
$62,894/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 13%
$253,400 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$263,100 ↑ 4%
$1,316/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 21%
2,300,419
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $7,884/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Houston or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Huntsville?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Huntsville?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $7,884/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 Houston or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Huntsville details →

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