Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Huntsville is 5% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,078/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 1%
$70,778/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 14%
$263,100 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 16%
$1,046/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↑ 5%
218,814
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Little Rock, AR, 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 $10,195/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Huntsville or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Little Rock?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Little Rock?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $10,195/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Arkansas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Little Rock details →

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