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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Huntsville is 5% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,078/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 21%
$70,778/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 14%
$263,100 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 13%
$1,046/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 10%
218,814
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $9,831/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Huntsville or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Lakeland?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Lakeland?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $9,831/year higher in Huntsville.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Lakeland

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon