Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Plano is 69% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,792/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 40%
$108,649/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 35%
$440,600 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 40%
$1,829/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 43%
287,339
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $714/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $8,568/year.

Median household income is $37,871/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Plano or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Huntsville?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $714/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Huntsville?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $37,871/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Huntsville details →

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