Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Huntsville is 44% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,078/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 66%
$70,778/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 100%
$263,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 82%
$1,046/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 92%
218,814
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $714/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $8,568/year.

Median household income is $70,575/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Huntsville or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $714/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $70,575/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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