Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Huntsville is 49% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,078/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 67%
$70,778/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 60%
$263,100 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 128%
$1,046/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 86%
218,814
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $724/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $8,688/year.

Median household income is $42,618/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Arvada — common questions

Is Huntsville or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Arvada?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $724/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Arvada?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $42,618/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Colorado?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

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