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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Huntsville is 16% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,078/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ≈ Same
$70,778/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 25%
$263,100 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 38%
$1,046/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ≈ Same
218,814
Population
201,504

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,644/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Augusta — common questions

Is Huntsville or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Augusta?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Augusta?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $17,644/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 Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Augusta details →

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