Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Huntsville is 22% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,078/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 22%
$70,778/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 10%
$263,100 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 33%
$1,046/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 31%
218,814
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $6,878/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Huntsville or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Wilmington?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Wilmington?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $6,878/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and North Carolina?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Wilmington details →

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