Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Raleigh is 41% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,468/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 27%
$82,424/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 14%
$377,800 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 30%
$1,487/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 30%
470,763
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $11,646/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Raleigh or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Huntsville?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Huntsville?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $11,646/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Huntsville details →

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