Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Orlando is 47% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,650/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 35%
$69,268/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 2%
$359,000 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 27%
$1,621/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 35%
311,732
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $1,510/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Orlando or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Huntsville?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $572/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Huntsville?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $1,510/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Huntsville details →

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