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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Huntsville is 39% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,078/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 69%
$70,778/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 36%
$263,100 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 54%
$1,046/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 72%
218,814
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $25,479/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Richardson — common questions

Is Huntsville or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Richardson?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Richardson?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $25,479/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Richardson

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater