Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Providence, RI (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Huntsville is 21% cheaper than Providence.

$1,078/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 24%
$70,778/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 6%
$263,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 23%
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 40%
218,814
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $4,006/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Providence — common questions

Is Huntsville or Providence 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 Providence?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Providence?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $4,006/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Rhode Island?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Providence details →

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