Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Huntsville is 7% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,078/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 9%
$70,778/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 20%
$263,100 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 35%
$1,046/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 11%
218,814
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $14,383/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Fayetteville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Huntsville or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $14,383/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and North Carolina?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Fayetteville details →

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