Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Memphis is 13% cheaper than Huntsville.

$1,123/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 4%
$51,211/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 38%
$157,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$263,100 ↑ 67%
$1,087/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 4%
629,063
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,567/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Memphis or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Huntsville?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Huntsville?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $19,567/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Alabama?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Huntsville details →

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