Cost of Living in Huntsville, AL

Population 218,814 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Huntsville cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $263,000, rents near $1,078 a month.

Cost Overview

Housing 86

Rent 82

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Huntsville

The median home value in Huntsville is $263,100 — 14% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,078/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,778/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Huntsville has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$263,100

14% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$283,225

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$1,078/mo

18% below avg

Zillow Rent

$1,320/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

20.3x

Favors renting

Property Tax Rate

0.4%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$646

1 BR

$688

2 BR

$857

3 BR

$1,132

4 BR

$1,309

Owner-occupied 58.1%

Renter-occupied 41.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,078

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,692/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

21.0 min

22% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

13.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

77.5%

Carpooled

6.8%

Public transit

0.3%

Walked

1.3%

Bicycle

0.1%

Work from home

13.1%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%

Total Sales Tax 9.2%

State rate 4.0%

Avg local rate 5.2%

Property Tax 0.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$70,778

5% below avg

Per Capita Income

$44,733

Unemployment Rate

4.3%

10% below avg

Poverty Rate

13.8%

Labor Force Participation

63.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.7%

Graduate degree 19.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.4

Male median age 35.4

Female median age 37.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good

56%

Good air days/yr

135

Max AQI recorded

272

PM2.5 days

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Huntsville, AL?

Huntsville has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.

What is average rent in Huntsville, AL?

The median gross rent in Huntsville is $1,078 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Huntsville?

The median home value in Huntsville is $263,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Huntsville?

The median household income in Huntsville is $70,778 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Huntsville, AL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Huntsville is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Huntsville, AL affordable?

Yes, Huntsville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.

Huntsville at a Glance

Population: 218,814
Median Income: $70,778
Home Value: $263,100
Median Rent: $1,078/mo
Unemployment: 4.3%
Sales Tax: 9.2%

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