Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Madison is 32% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,364/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 21%
$76,983/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 8%
$346,900 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 24%
$1,476/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
275,568
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $6,205/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Madison or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Huntsville?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Huntsville?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $6,205/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Alabama?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Huntsville details →

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