Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Huntsville is 4% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,078/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 7%
$70,778/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 14%
$263,100 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 1%
$1,046/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 6%
218,814
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $9,750/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Huntsville or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $9,750/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Chattanooga details →

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