Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

St. Paul is 17% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,248/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 14%
$73,055/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 3%
$280,300 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 6%
$1,390/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 25%
307,762
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $2,277/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Huntsville — common questions

Is St. Paul or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Huntsville?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Huntsville?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $2,277/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Alabama?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Huntsville details →

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