Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Tampa is 45% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,567/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 31%
$71,302/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$70,778/yr ≈ Same
$375,300 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 30%
$1,553/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 33%
393,389
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $489/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $5,868/year.

Median household income is $524/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Tampa or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Huntsville?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $489/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Huntsville?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $524/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Huntsville details →

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