Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Huntsville is 67% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,078/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 154%
$70,778/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 79%
$263,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 295%
$1,046/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 152%
218,814
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,664/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $19,968/year.

Median household income is $55,691/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Huntsville or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Cambridge?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,664/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Cambridge?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $55,691/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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