Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Tacoma is 48% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,597/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 32%
$83,857/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 16%
$454,600 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 42%
$1,747/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
220,482
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $13,079/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Tacoma or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Huntsville?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Huntsville?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $13,079/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Huntsville details →