Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Midland, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Huntsville is 21% cheaper than Midland.

$1,078/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 31%
$70,778/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 29%
$263,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 13%
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 40%
218,814
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $20,391/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Midland — common questions

Is Huntsville or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Midland?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Midland?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $20,391/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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