Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Huntsville and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,078/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 3%
$70,778/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 27%
$263,100 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 15%
$1,046/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 22%
218,814
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,439/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Springfield — common questions

Is Huntsville or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Springfield?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Springfield?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $19,439/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Springfield details →

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