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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Louisville is 5% cheaper than Huntsville.

$1,069/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ≈ Same
$64,731/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 9%
$221,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$263,100 ↑ 19%
$1,118/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 6%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,047/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Louisville or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Huntsville?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Huntsville?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $6,047/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 Louisville or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Huntsville details →

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