Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Lexington is 5% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,101/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 2%
$67,631/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 5%
$272,100 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 3%
$1,160/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 10%
321,122
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,147/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Lexington or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Huntsville?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Huntsville?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $3,147/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Alabama?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Huntsville details →

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