Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs College Station, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Huntsville is 14% cheaper than College Station.

$1,078/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 8%
$70,778/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 27%
$263,100 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 24%
$1,046/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 20%
218,814
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $19,002/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs College Station — common questions

Is Huntsville or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and College Station?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or College Station?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $19,002/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and College Station

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette