Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Huntsville is 69% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,078/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 132%
$70,778/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 128%
$263,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 357%
$1,046/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 147%
218,814
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,427/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $17,124/year.

Median household income is $90,522/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Huntsville or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Bellevue?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,427/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Bellevue?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $90,522/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Washington?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Bellevue

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet