Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Huntsville is 28% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,078/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 12%
$70,778/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 17%
$263,100 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 43%
$1,046/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 4%
218,814
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $12,062/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Peoria — common questions

Is Huntsville or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Peoria?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Peoria?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $12,062/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Peoria

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo