Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Huntsville is 32% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,078/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 7%
$70,778/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 35%
$263,100 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 52%
$1,046/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 6%
218,814
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $24,933/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Huntsville or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Syracuse?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Syracuse?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $24,933/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New York?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Syracuse details →

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