Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Huntsville is 26% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,078/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 43%
$70,778/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 9%
$263,100 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 24%
$1,046/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 35%
218,814
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $6,338/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Huntsville or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Clearwater?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Clearwater?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $6,338/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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