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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $393/month more in Port St. Lucie, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.7K in Port St. Lucie, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 5.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$393
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$4.7K
Per year

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

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$310K

Port St. Lucie, FL

Population:245K
Cost Index:
105
(5% above avg)
Median Home:$390K

Huntsville, AL

The Heart of Dixie

226K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Port St. Lucie, FL

The Sunshine State

245K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 245K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Huntsville, AL vs Port St. Lucie, FL

Housing
↑ 12.4%
Huntsville, AL
$2,084
Port St. Lucie, FL
$2,343
Difference
$259
more
Transportation
↓ 5.0%
Huntsville, AL
$1,303
Port St. Lucie, FL
$1,237
Difference
$65.66
less
Other
↑ 2.1%
Huntsville, AL
$1,705
Port St. Lucie, FL
$1,741
Difference
$36.45
more
Healthcare
↑ 4.5%
Huntsville, AL
$535
Port St. Lucie, FL
$559
Difference
$24.14
more
Groceries
↑ 0.2%
Huntsville, AL
$999
Port St. Lucie, FL
$1,000
Difference
$1.78
more
All Utilities
↓ 0.0%
Huntsville, AL
$563
Port St. Lucie, FL
$563
Difference
$0.00
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,138
To$1,474
↑ $336
1 Bed
From$1,257
To$1,490
↑ $233
2 Bed
From$1,447
To$1,781
↑ $334
3 Bed
From$1,864
To$2,456
↑ $592
Huntsville, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,710/mo

Port St. Lucie, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,570–$2,090/mo

πŸ’‘ 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.

$7,188
Monthly in Huntsville, AL
$7,444
Monthly in Port St. Lucie, FL
$256
Difference

Home Values

Huntsville
Port St. Lucie
$310K
Median Value
-
↓ -0.4%
YoY Change
-
↑ +29.4%
5-Year Change
-
$153K - $382K
Price Range
-

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $7.5K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$622
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.0%
Rate difference

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

Port St. Lucie, FL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Florida State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Huntsville, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Port St. Lucie, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:0.8%

πŸ’‘ 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

Huntsville
Port St. Lucie
57 Moderate
Air Quality
41 Good
26%
Good Air Days
75.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
Top Hazards
πŸŒŠπŸŒ€πŸŒͺ
β–²+2.5Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.3Β°F
41 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
58 days
β–²+2.5Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.3Β°F
41 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
58 days

What to Consider When Moving from Huntsville, AL to Port St. Lucie, FL

Relocating from Huntsville, AL to Port St. Lucie, FL involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 5% higher in Port St. Lucie, FL, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Port St. Lucie, FL is 12% more expensive than in Huntsville, AL. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Port St. Lucie, FL pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Port St. Lucie, FL to match your current standard of living in Huntsville, AL.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general β€œfeel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Port St. Lucie, FL for a week before making a final decision β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Huntsville, AL vs Port St. Lucie, FL

Is Port St. Lucie, FL cheaper than Huntsville, AL?

Port St. Lucie, FL is approximately 5.2% more expensive than Huntsville, AL overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $393/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 12% more in Port St. Lucie, FL.

What salary do I need in Port St. Lucie, FL to match my lifestyle in Huntsville, AL?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Huntsville, AL, you would need approximately $154,722 in Port St. Lucie, FL to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Huntsville, AL and Port St. Lucie, FL?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL compared to $1,781/month in Port St. Lucie, FL. One-bedroom apartments are $1,257/month in Huntsville, AL vs $1,490/month in Port St. Lucie, FL. These are area-wide medians β€” specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Huntsville, AL or Port St. Lucie, FL?

Grocery prices are very similar between Huntsville, AL and Port St. Lucie, FL, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Huntsville, AL to Port St. Lucie, FL?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

πŸ’° See how taxes change too β€” compare take-home pay between Alabama and Florida on TaxTakeHome.com

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