Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Huntsville is 34% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,078/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 49%
$70,778/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 8%
$263,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 50%
$1,046/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 60%
218,814
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $525/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,300/year.

Median household income is $5,427/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Lowell — common questions

Is Huntsville or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Lowell?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $525/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Lowell?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $5,427/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Lowell details →

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