Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Huntsville is 30% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,078/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 36%
$70,778/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 10%
$263,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 50%
$1,046/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 48%
218,814
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $6,904/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Huntsville or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $6,904/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Jersey?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Elizabeth

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland