Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Huntsville is 26% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,078/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 36%
$70,778/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 9%
$263,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 28%
$1,046/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 48%
218,814
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $6,637/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Manchester — common questions

Is Huntsville or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Manchester?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Manchester?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $6,637/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Hampshire?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Manchester

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City