Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Huntsville is 5% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,078/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 4%
$70,778/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 28%
$263,100 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 19%
$1,046/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 3%
218,814
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,784/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Huntsville or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Knoxville?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Knoxville?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $19,784/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Knoxville details →

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