Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Huntsville is 16% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,078/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 22%
$70,778/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 24%
$263,100 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 9%
$1,046/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 27%
218,814
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $16,989/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Rochester — common questions

Is Huntsville or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Rochester?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Rochester?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $16,989/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Minnesota?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Rochester details →

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