Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Huntsville and Allentown have a similar cost of living.

$1,078/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 18%
$70,778/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 25%
$263,100 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 28%
$1,046/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
218,814
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $17,375/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Allentown — common questions

Is Huntsville or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Allentown?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Allentown?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $17,375/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Pennsylvania?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Allentown details →

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