Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Athens, GA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Huntsville is 6% cheaper than Athens.

$1,078/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 8%
$70,778/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 27%
$263,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 3%
$1,046/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 11%
218,814
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $19,123/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Athens — common questions

Is Huntsville or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Athens?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Athens?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $19,123/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Georgia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Athens details →

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