Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Huntsville is 34% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,078/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 59%
$70,778/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 2%
$263,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 41%
$1,046/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 59%
218,814
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $1,517/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Huntsville or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $1,517/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and West Palm Beach

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings