Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Huntsville and Columbia have a similar cost of living.

$1,078/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 7%
$70,778/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 21%
$263,100 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 7%
$1,046/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 12%
218,814
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $15,125/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Columbia — common questions

Is Huntsville or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Columbia?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Columbia?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $15,125/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and South Carolina?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Columbia

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids