Is Huntsville, AL cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Huntsville, AL is 2.8% cheaper than Durham, NC. This translates to saving $211 per month.

What salary do I need in Huntsville, AL to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $147,466.124 in Huntsville, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Huntsville, AL?

Housing in Huntsville, AL is 15.6% cheaper than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Durham, NC to Huntsville, AL?

Moving from Durham, NC to Huntsville, AL could save you approximately $211 per month, or $2534 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC 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 Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $211/month moving to Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Huntsville, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$211

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

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

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$411K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$310K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K 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: Durham, NC vs Huntsville, AL

Category	Durham, NC	Huntsville, AL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $385less	15.6%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$535/mo	↓ $65.69less	10.9%
Groceries	$959/mo	$999/mo	↑ $39.27more	4.1%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,303/mo	↑ $18.48more	1.4%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$563/mo	↑ $16.68more	3.1%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,705/mo	↓ $2.45less	0.1%

Housing

↓ 15.6%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Difference

$385

less

Healthcare

↓ 10.9%

Durham, NC

$601

Huntsville, AL

$535

Difference

$65.69

less

Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Durham, NC

$959

Huntsville, AL

$999

Difference

$39.27

Transportation

↑ 1.4%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Difference

$18.48

All Utilities

↑ 3.1%

Durham, NC

$546

Huntsville, AL

$563

Difference

$16.68

Other

↓ 0.1%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Difference

$2.45

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,430

To$1,138

↓ $292

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,257

↓ $263

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,447

↓ $283

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,864

↓ $276

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$379

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Huntsville

$411K

Median Value

$310K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.4%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 25% less expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - Huntsville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $335

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$27.92

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Durham, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.