Huntsville, AL, US
Rocket City with NASA, defense contractors, and the highest concentration of PhDs in America.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Huntsville vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 9.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $62,000
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Population: 215,006
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 32°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $280,000
- 1BR Rent: $1200/mo
Cost of Living
Huntsville's cost of living index is 94.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Huntsville | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 94.5 | 100 | -5.5% |
| Housing | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $280,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $186 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Huntsville:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $105 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $68 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $11 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $309 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Huntsville scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Huntsville has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52°F | 32°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 47°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 50°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Huntsville faces the following natural hazards:
Dixie Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Flash floods.
Summer heat waves.
Gulf Coast affected by hurricanes.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5%
- Sales Tax: 9%
- Property Tax: ~0.58% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Huntsville per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Huntsville, AL, US?
The cost of living index in Huntsville is 94.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Huntsville?
The median home price in Huntsville is $280,000. The housing index is 88.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Huntsville is approximately $1200/mo.
Does Huntsville, AL have income tax?
Huntsville is in AL, which has an income tax rate of 5%.
What is the climate like in Huntsville?
Huntsville enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 32°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.