Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Huntsville is 25% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,078/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 31%
$70,778/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 5%
$263,100 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 29%
$1,046/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 45%
218,814
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $3,234/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Worcester — common questions

Is Huntsville or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Worcester?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Worcester?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $3,234/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Worcester details →

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