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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Huntsville is 6% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,078/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 23%
$70,778/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 3%
$263,100 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 21%
$1,046/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 20%
218,814
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $2,252/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Odessa — common questions

Is Huntsville or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Odessa?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Odessa?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $2,252/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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