Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Huntsville is 41% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,078/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 65%
$70,778/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 13%
$263,100 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 73%
$1,046/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 70%
218,814
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $698/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $8,376/year.

Median household income is $9,157/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Huntsville or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $698/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $9,157/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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