Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Jacksonville is 18% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,375/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 22%
$66,981/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 6%
$266,100 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 1%
$1,324/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 21%
961,739
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $3,797/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Huntsville?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Huntsville?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $3,797/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jacksonville details → View Huntsville details →

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