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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Huntsville is 36% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,078/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 63%
$70,778/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 59%
$263,100 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 26%
$1,046/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 88%
218,814
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $41,692/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Pearland — common questions

Is Huntsville or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Pearland?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Pearland?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $41,692/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Pearland details →

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