Is Huntsville, AL cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Huntsville, AL is 5.7% cheaper than Richmond, VA. This translates to saving $430 per month.

What salary do I need in Huntsville, AL to live like I do in Richmond, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $144,842.14 in Huntsville, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Richmond, VA and Huntsville, AL?

Housing in Huntsville, AL is 18.2% cheaper than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Richmond, VA to Huntsville, AL?

Moving from Richmond, VA to Huntsville, AL could save you approximately $430 per month, or $5158 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $430/month moving to Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Huntsville, AL

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$430

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$350K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$310K

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K 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: Richmond, VA vs Huntsville, AL

Category	Richmond, VA	Huntsville, AL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,547/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $463less	18.2%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$535/mo	↓ $96.67less	15.3%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,705/mo	↓ $52.67less	3.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$999/mo	↑ $39.27more	4.1%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,303/mo	↑ $18.48more	1.4%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$563/mo	↓ $10.64less	1.9%

Housing

↓ 18.2%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Difference

$463

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.3%

Richmond, VA

$632

Huntsville, AL

$535

Difference

$96.67

less

Other

↓ 3.0%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Difference

$52.67

less

Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Richmond, VA

$959

Huntsville, AL

$999

Difference

$39.27

Transportation

↑ 1.4%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Difference

$18.48

All Utilities

↓ 1.9%

Richmond, VA

$574

Huntsville, AL

$563

Difference

$10.64

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,490

To$1,138

↓ $352

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$1,257

↓ $303

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,447

↓ $263

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,864

↓ $276

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/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.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$565

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Huntsville

$350K

Median Value

$310K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.4%

$234K - $619K

Price Range

$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 12% less expensive than Richmond

Calculate payment - Richmond Calculate payment - Huntsville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $908

Per year

Monthly Difference

$75.63

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Richmond, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.