Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Huntsville is 43% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,078/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 54%
$70,778/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 18%
$263,100 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 108%
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 62%
218,814
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $583/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,996/year.

Median household income is $12,820/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Huntsville or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $583/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $12,820/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Colorado?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Fort Collins

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas