Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Huntsville is 45% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,078/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 62%
$70,778/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 21%
$263,100 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 108%
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 65%
218,814
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $15,011/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Huntsville or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Lakewood?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Lakewood?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $15,011/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Colorado?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Lakewood

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