Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Newark is 28% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,330/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 19%
$48,416/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 46%
$337,800 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 22%
$1,419/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 26%
307,188
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $22,362/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Newark or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Huntsville?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Huntsville?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $22,362/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Alabama?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Huntsville details →

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