Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Huntsville is 55% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,078/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 88%
$70,778/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 61%
$263,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 165%
$1,046/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 108%
218,814
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $953/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $11,436/year.

Median household income is $42,860/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Huntsville or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Alexandria?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $953/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Alexandria?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $42,860/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Virginia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen