Cost of Living in Huntsville, AL

Is it worth moving here?

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Huntsville? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $10,551 per year — combining federal taxes with Alabama's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,310/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Huntsville metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $43,729, or roughly $3,644 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Huntsville metro has a cost of living index of 81.2 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 19% below the national average, Huntsville is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Huntsville represents approximately 22% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings.

Annual Breakdown

Gross Salary $70,000
Taxes (Est.) ...
Housing (Rent) -$15,720
Net Income ...

Cost of Living Index

81.2
Cheaper Avg (100) Pricier

Living in Huntsville, AL is roughly 19% less expensive than the national average.

Monthly Take-Home

... / mo

Affordability Score

Grade
Rent Burden –%
Affordable (<20%) 30% Rule Stretched (>40%)

K-12 Schools

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Schools 104
Enrollment 68,227
Pupil:Teacher 0:1
Charter 0%
Title I 0%

Colleges & Universities

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Institutions 10
Avg In-State $8,435
Avg Out-of-State $13,671
Avg Grad Rate 48.9%
Institution Enrollment In-State Tuition Grad Rate
The Salon Professional Academy-Huntsville 56 $0 86.0%
University of Alabama in Huntsville 8,743 $10,120 62.0%
Ross Medical Education Center-Huntsville 109 $0 59.0%
Paul Mitchell the School-Huntsville 102 $0 54.0%
Oakwood University 1,319 $20,722 49.0%
John C Calhoun State Community College 8,736 $3,810 41.0%
Alabama A & M University 6,614 $8,610 29.0%
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College 1,011 $3,810 11.0%
Athens State University 2,955 $7,530
Huntsville Bible College 121 $4,440