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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $444/month more in Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.3K in Huntsville, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
5.9%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$444
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$5.3K
Per year

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

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$254K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K
Cost Index:
106
(6% above avg)
Median Home:$310K

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 250K 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: Winston-Salem, NC vs Huntsville, AL

Other
8.4%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,574
Huntsville, AL
$1,705
Difference
$131
more
Transportation
8.4%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,202
Huntsville, AL
$1,303
Difference
$100
more
Healthcare
10.9%
Winston-Salem, NC
$601
Huntsville, AL
$535
Difference
$65.69
less
Housing
2.2%
Winston-Salem, NC
$2,131
Huntsville, AL
$2,084
Difference
$47.22
less
All Utilities
8.5%
Winston-Salem, NC
$519
Huntsville, AL
$563
Difference
$44.00
more
Groceries
4.1%
Winston-Salem, NC
$959
Huntsville, AL
$999
Difference
$39.27
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,065
To$1,138
$73.00
1 Bed
From$1,155
To$1,257
$102
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,447
$132
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$1,864
$149
Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $960$1,260/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.

$6,986
Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC
$7,188
Monthly in Huntsville, AL
$202
Difference

Home Values

Winston-Salem
Huntsville
$254K
Median Value
$310K
↑ +0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -0.4%
↑ +37.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +29.4%
$168K - $363K
Price Range
$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 22% more expensive than Winston-Salem

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$335
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$27.92
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.2%
Rate difference

Winston-Salem, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

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

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
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.

Environment

Winston-Salem
Huntsville
47 Good
Air Quality
57 Moderate
57.4%
Good Air Days
26%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
41 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
41 days

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

Where your money goes further

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