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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $627/month more in Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.5K in Huntsville, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
8.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$627
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$7.5K
Per year

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

Columbus, GA

Population:207K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$153K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K
Cost Index:
108
(8% above avg)
Median Home:$310K

Columbus, GA

The Peach State

207K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 207K 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: Columbus, GA vs Huntsville, AL

Housing
8.4%
Columbus, GA
$1,923
Huntsville, AL
$2,084
Difference
$161
more
Transportation
10.0%
Columbus, GA
$1,448
Huntsville, AL
$1,303
Difference
$145
less
Other
8.4%
Columbus, GA
$1,574
Huntsville, AL
$1,705
Difference
$131
more
Groceries
4.1%
Columbus, GA
$959
Huntsville, AL
$999
Difference
$39.27
more
All Utilities
3.7%
Columbus, GA
$585
Huntsville, AL
$563
Difference
$21.57
less
Healthcare
4.1%
Columbus, GA
$514
Huntsville, AL
$535
Difference
$21.05
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$1,138
$258
1 Bed
From$930
To$1,257
$327
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,447
$362
3 Bed
From$1,435
To$1,864
$429
Columbus, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $850$1,290/mo

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.

$7,003
Monthly in Columbus, GA
$7,188
Monthly in Huntsville, AL
$185
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Huntsville
$153K
Median Value
$310K
0%
YoY Change
↓ -0.4%
↑ +39.1%
5-Year Change
↑ +29.4%
$69K - $226K
Price Range
$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 102% more expensive than Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$993
Per year
Monthly Difference
$82.71
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.7%
Rate difference

Columbus, GA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Georgia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,711/month
$104.5K

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

Columbus, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

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.

Environment

Columbus
Huntsville
49 Good
Air Quality
57 Moderate
52.7%
Good Air Days
26%
82 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
None
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
41 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
41 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Georgia and Alabama on TaxTakeHome.com

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