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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Huntsville is 43% cheaper than Allen.

$1,078/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 74%
$70,778/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 82%
$263,100 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 63%
$1,046/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 99%
218,814
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $799/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $9,588/year.

Median household income is $58,352/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Allen — common questions

Is Huntsville or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Allen?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $799/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Allen?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $58,352/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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