Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Portland is 77% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,596/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 32%
$88,792/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 20%
$557,600 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 53%
$1,771/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 41%
642,715
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $18,014/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Portland or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Huntsville?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Huntsville?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $18,014/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Alabama?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Huntsville details →

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