Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Huntsville is 33% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,078/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 25%
$70,778/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 6%
$263,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 88%
$1,046/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 33%
218,814
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $4,147/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Huntsville or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $4,147/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Utah?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Salt Lake City

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