Huntsville, Alabama has an overall cost of living index of 88.3, which is 11.7 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,078 per month, while the typical home is valued around $263,100. Households earn a median of $70,778 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 52. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$70,778
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,078
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$263,100
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
88.3
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,030
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,136
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,310
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,690
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
88.3
Goods
94.4
Rents / Housing
50.8
Services
85.5
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.00%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $92,770 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $78,170 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $54,200 |
| ⚡Electrician | $60,520 |
| 📊Accountant | $69,990 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
218,814
Latest estimate
Median Age
36.4 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
52.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Huntsville?
Huntsville has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 88.3. The US national average is 100, so Huntsville is 11.7 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Huntsville?
The median gross rent in Huntsville is $1,078 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Huntsville?
The median household income in Huntsville is $70,778 per year.
What is the median home value in Huntsville?
The median home value in Huntsville is $263,100 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Huntsville?
Huntsville has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Huntsville?
Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a statewide sales tax of 4.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology