Is Huntsville, AL cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Huntsville, AL is 2.5% more expensive than Fayetteville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $185 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $152,219.718 in Huntsville, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Huntsville, AL is 5.7% cheaper than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

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

Living in Huntsville, AL costs approximately $185 more per month than Fayetteville, NC, or $2220 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, 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 Fayetteville, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $185/month more in Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.2K in Huntsville, AL

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$185

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

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

Fayetteville, NC

Population:209K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$238K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$310K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 209K 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: Fayetteville, NC vs Huntsville, AL

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Huntsville, AL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $125less	5.7%
Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,303/mo	↑ $100more	8.4%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,705/mo	↑ $98.00more	6.1%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$535/mo	↓ $65.69less	10.9%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$563/mo	↑ $44.00more	8.5%
Groceries	$959/mo	$999/mo	↑ $39.27more	4.1%

Housing

↓ 5.7%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Difference

$125

less

Transportation

↑ 8.4%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Difference

$100

Other

↑ 6.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Difference

$98.00

Healthcare

↓ 10.9%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Huntsville, AL

$535

Difference

$65.69

less

All Utilities

↑ 8.5%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Huntsville, AL

$563

Difference

$44.00

Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Huntsville, AL

$999

Difference

$39.27

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,138

↑ $28.00

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,257

↑ $127

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,447

↑ $177

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$1,864

↑ $174

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/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.

$7,097

Monthly in Fayetteville, NC

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$90.83

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Huntsville

$238K

Median Value

$310K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.4%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 30% more expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville 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

Fayetteville, 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

Fayetteville, 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.