Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Huntsville is 40% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,078/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 59%
$70,778/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 39%
$263,100 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 84%
$1,046/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 54%
218,814
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $27,908/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Meridian — common questions

Is Huntsville or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Meridian?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Meridian?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $27,908/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Idaho?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Meridian

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord