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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $102/month more in Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.2K in Huntsville, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
1.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$102
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$1.2K
Per year

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

Lexington, KY

Population:323K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$345K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K
Cost Index:
101
(1% above avg)
Median Home:$310K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 323K 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: Lexington, KY vs Huntsville, AL

Housing
10.9%
Lexington, KY
$2,339
Huntsville, AL
$2,084
Difference
$255
less
All Utilities
21.2%
Lexington, KY
$464
Huntsville, AL
$563
Difference
$98.64
more
Transportation
7.1%
Lexington, KY
$1,216
Huntsville, AL
$1,303
Difference
$86.78
more
Other
3.9%
Lexington, KY
$1,641
Huntsville, AL
$1,705
Difference
$64.52
more
Groceries
4.1%
Lexington, KY
$959
Huntsville, AL
$999
Difference
$39.27
more
Healthcare
2.9%
Lexington, KY
$551
Huntsville, AL
$535
Difference
$16.12
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lexington, KY: Lexington Occupational Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Huntsville, AL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$960
To$1,138
$178
1 Bed
From$1,180
To$1,257
$77.00
2 Bed
From$1,390
To$1,447
$57.00
3 Bed
From$1,900
To$1,864
$36.00
Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940$1,500/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.

$7,170
Monthly in Lexington, KY
$7,188
Monthly in Huntsville, AL
$17.96
Difference

Home Values

Lexington
Huntsville
$345K
Median Value
$310K
↑ +5%
YoY Change
↓ -0.4%
↑ +43.5%
5-Year Change
↑ +29.4%
$214K - $711K
Price Range
$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 10% less expensive than Lexington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$40.00
Per year
Monthly Difference
$3.33
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Lexington, KY

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kentucky State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

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

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
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

Lexington
Huntsville
41 Good
Air Quality
57 Moderate
79.2%
Good Air Days
26%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
21 days
Heat Days >95°F
41 days
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
21 days
Heat Days >95°F
41 days

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

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