Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Huntsville and Lafayette have a similar cost of living.

$1,078/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 1%
$70,778/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 13%
$263,100 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 4%
$1,046/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 1%
218,814
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,324/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Huntsville or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Lafayette?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Lafayette?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $9,324/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Louisiana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Lafayette

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield