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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Huntsville is 10% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,078/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 3%
$70,778/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 11%
$263,100 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 32%
$1,046/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 7%
218,814
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,058/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Abilene — common questions

Is Huntsville or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Abilene?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Abilene?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $8,058/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Abilene

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland