Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Kansas City and Huntsville have a similar cost of living.

$1,186/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 9%
$67,449/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 5%
$227,000 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$263,100 ↑ 16%
$1,205/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 13%
508,233
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $3,329/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Kansas City or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Huntsville?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Huntsville?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $3,329/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Alabama?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Huntsville details →

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