Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Huntsville is 4% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,078/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↑ 6%
$70,778/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 18%
$263,100 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 26%
$1,046/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↑ 12%
218,814
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $12,439/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Killeen — common questions

Is Huntsville or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Killeen?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Killeen?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $12,439/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Killeen

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale