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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Huntsville is 30% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,078/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 15%
$70,778/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 35%
$263,100 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 37%
$1,046/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 13%
218,814
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $24,794/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield 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, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 78 (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 $920/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Springfield?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $24,794/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Missouri?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward