Is Huntsville, AL cheaper than Arlington, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Huntsville, AL is 36.5% cheaper than Arlington, VA. This translates to saving $2739 per month.

What salary do I need in Huntsville, AL to live like I do in Arlington, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington, VA, you'd need approximately $117,133.595 in Huntsville, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arlington, VA and Huntsville, AL?

Housing in Huntsville, AL is 61.8% cheaper than in Arlington, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL compared to $2,325/month in Arlington, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arlington, VA to Huntsville, AL?

Moving from Arlington, VA to Huntsville, AL could save you approximately $2739 per month, or $32866 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington, VA vs Huntsville, AL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Arlington, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.1K in Huntsville, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,739

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

(37% below avg)

Median Home:$310K

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Huntsville, AL

The Heart of Dixie

226K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 226K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington, VA vs Huntsville, AL

Category	Arlington, VA	Huntsville, AL	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,461/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $3,377less	61.8%
Transportation	$1,842/mo	$1,303/mo	↓ $539less	29.3%
Healthcare	$625/mo	$535/mo	↓ $89.34less	14.3%
Other	$1,783/mo	$1,705/mo	↓ $77.58less	4.4%
Groceries	$1,067/mo	$999/mo	↓ $68.13less	6.4%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$563/mo	↑ $60.82more	12.1%

Housing

↓ 61.8%

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Difference

$3,377

less

Transportation

↓ 29.3%

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Difference

$539

less

Healthcare

↓ 14.3%

Arlington, VA

$625

Huntsville, AL

$535

Difference

$89.34

less

Other

↓ 4.4%

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Difference

$77.58

less

Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Huntsville, AL

$999

Difference

$68.13

less

All Utilities

↑ 12.1%

Arlington, VA

$502

Huntsville, AL

$563

Difference

$60.82

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,578

To$1,138

↓ $440

1 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,257

↓ $570

2 Bed

From$2,325

To$1,447

↓ $878

3 Bed

From$3,239

To$1,864

↓ $1,375

Huntsville, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$4,091

Difference

Home Values

Arlington

Huntsville

Median Value

$310K

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.4%

Price Range

$153K - $382K

Calculate payment - Huntsville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $908

Per year

Monthly Difference

$75.63

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Huntsville, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Huntsville, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.