Median rent is 35% lower in Huntsville ($1,078/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Huntsville, where the median home runs $263,100 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $70,778 a year). Taken together, Huntsville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 88.3 against 98.8 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Huntsville is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 88.3 in Huntsville vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Huntsville, AL
How much would you need to earn in Huntsville, AL to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Huntsville, AL
$67,040
You could earn $7,960 less (11% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Huntsville
Alabama
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Huntsville — median rent of $1,078/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 35% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $263,100 in Huntsville — 49% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Alabama tops out at 5.00% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in Alabama; Huntsville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Huntsville
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 88.3 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,078/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Huntsville?
Huntsville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 88.3 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Huntsville.
How much is rent in Austin vs Huntsville?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,078/mo in Huntsville, AL. Huntsville, AL has the lower rent by about 35%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Huntsville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $70,778 in Huntsville, AL. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Huntsville?
Texas has no state income tax. Alabama has a top rate of 5.00%.
What salary do I need in Huntsville to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $89,387 in Huntsville, AL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology