Is Huntsville, AL cheaper than Knoxville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Huntsville, AL is 0.3% cheaper than Knoxville, TN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Huntsville, AL to live like I do in Knoxville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Knoxville, TN, you'd need approximately $149,716.27 in Huntsville, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Knoxville, TN and Huntsville, AL?

Housing in Huntsville, AL is 12.4% cheaper than in Knoxville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL compared to $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Knoxville, TN to Huntsville, AL?

Moving from Knoxville, TN to Huntsville, AL could save you approximately $24 per month, or $284 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $23.64/month moving to Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.7K in Huntsville, AL

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$23.64

Savings

Annual Impact

$284

Per year

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

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$369K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

100

(0% below avg)

Median Home:$310K

Knoxville, TN

The Volunteer State

198K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 198K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

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: Knoxville, TN vs Huntsville, AL

Category	Knoxville, TN	Huntsville, AL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,378/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $295less	12.4%
All Utilities	$468/mo	$563/mo	↑ $94.75more	20.2%
Transportation	$1,236/mo	$1,303/mo	↑ $66.29more	5.4%
Other	$1,668/mo	$1,705/mo	↑ $36.87more	2.2%
Groceries	$967/mo	$999/mo	↑ $31.22more	3.2%
Healthcare	$556/mo	$535/mo	↓ $20.75less	3.7%

Housing

↓ 12.4%

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Difference

$295

less

All Utilities

↑ 20.2%

Knoxville, TN

$468

Huntsville, AL

$563

Difference

$94.75

Transportation

↑ 5.4%

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Difference

$66.29

Other

↑ 2.2%

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Difference

$36.87

Groceries

↑ 3.2%

Knoxville, TN

$967

Huntsville, AL

$999

Difference

$31.22

Healthcare

↓ 3.7%

Knoxville, TN

$556

Huntsville, AL

$535

Difference

$20.75

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,200

To$1,138

↓ $62.00

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,257

↑ $57.00

2 Bed

From$1,495

To$1,447

↓ $48.00

3 Bed

From$1,891

To$1,864

↓ $27.00

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/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.

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$86.15

Difference

Home Values

Knoxville

Huntsville

$369K

Median Value

$310K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +64.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.4%

$196K - $638K

Price Range

$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 16% less expensive than Knoxville

Calculate payment - Knoxville Calculate payment - Huntsville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$622

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Knoxville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Knoxville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.