Is Huntsville, AL cheaper than New Orleans, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Huntsville, AL is 1.8% cheaper than New Orleans, LA. This translates to saving $135 per month.

What salary do I need in Huntsville, AL to live like I do in New Orleans, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Orleans, LA, you'd need approximately $148,377.229 in Huntsville, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Orleans, LA and Huntsville, AL?

Housing in Huntsville, AL is 12.8% cheaper than in New Orleans, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL compared to $1,375/month in New Orleans, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from New Orleans, LA to Huntsville, AL?

Moving from New Orleans, LA to Huntsville, AL could save you approximately $135 per month, or $1623 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $135/month moving to Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Huntsville, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New Orleans-Metairie, LA area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$135

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

New Orleans, LA

Population:384K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$223K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$310K

New Orleans, LA

The Pelican State

384K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 384K 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: New Orleans, LA vs Huntsville, AL

Category	New Orleans, LA	Huntsville, AL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $307less	12.8%
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,705/mo	↓ $187less	9.9%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$563/mo	↑ $76.79more	15.8%
Healthcare	$471/mo	$535/mo	↑ $64.42more	13.7%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,303/mo	↑ $59.46more	4.8%
Groceries	$969/mo	$999/mo	↑ $29.28more	3.0%

Housing

↓ 12.8%

New Orleans, LA

$2,391

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Difference

$307

less

Other

↓ 9.9%

New Orleans, LA

$1,892

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Difference

$187

less

All Utilities

↑ 15.8%

New Orleans, LA

$486

Huntsville, AL

$563

Difference

$76.79

Healthcare

↑ 13.7%

New Orleans, LA

$471

Huntsville, AL

$535

Difference

$64.42

Transportation

↑ 4.8%

New Orleans, LA

$1,243

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Difference

$59.46

Groceries

↑ 3.0%

New Orleans, LA

$969

Huntsville, AL

$999

Difference

$29.28

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,138

↑ $128

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,257

↑ $112

2 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,447

↑ $72.00

3 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,864

↑ $119

New Orleans, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,680/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.

$7,452

Monthly in New Orleans, LA

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$264

Difference

Home Values

New Orleans

Huntsville

$223K

Median Value

$310K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↓ -7.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.4%

$146K - $508K

Price Range

$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 39% more expensive than New Orleans

Calculate payment - New Orleans Calculate payment - Huntsville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $290

Per year

Monthly Difference

$24.17

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

New Orleans, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

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

New Orleans, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.