Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Kent, WA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Huntsville is 46% cheaper than Kent.

$1,078/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 70%
$70,778/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 28%
$263,100 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 104%
$1,046/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 83%
218,814
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $19,638/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Kent — common questions

Is Huntsville or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Kent?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Kent?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $19,638/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Washington?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Kent details →

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