What Is the Cost of Living in Huntsville, AL?

Huntsville, AL, is a top destination for renters across the country. In fact, it ranks fifth among the best cities for renters in 2025. Known for its blend of Southern charm and cutting-edge innovation, this city offers a unique lifestyle that strikes a balance between opportunity and comfort. From its thriving tech scene and outdoor recreation to its friendly neighborhoods and strong community spirit, Huntsville has something for everyone. For renters looking for something other than the hustle of a big metro, Huntsville stands out as a smart and welcoming choice.

But before you start apartment hunting, you’ll want to get an idea of the cost of living in Huntsville, AL, so you can budget more accurately. Moving to a new city involves more than just finding a great location — it’s about making sure you can afford to live there comfortably. Knowing what you can expect to pay for housing, utilities, food, and other essentials will help you make an informed decision. By comparing the cost of living in Huntsville to the average expenses in Alabama and across the U.S., you’ll get a clearer picture of what life in this town might look like for you.

What is the average cost of living in Huntsville, AL?

Renting in Huntsville can be appealing for many reasons. The city offers a strong job market, a lively culture, and a welcoming community. But what really grabs renters’ attention is how far their dollar goes. The average cost of living in Huntsville is relatively affordable when compared to many U.S. cities. In fact, the city strikes a balance between quality of life and budget-friendliness, which is part of what makes it so attractive.

Next, utility expenses come in 15% below the state average and 11% below the national benchmark. Meanwhile, food costs are 3% higher than the state average and even out with national prices. Healthcare is 4% less expensive than the state average and 8% lower nationally. Transportation and goods and services are within close range of both state and national levels, with only slight variations.

Overall, these numbers reflect a relatively balanced lifestyle, especially for renters looking to stretch their income without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re renting a one-bedroom or a larger apartment, the cost of living in Huntsville offers strong value for your money.

Breaking down the cost of living in Huntsville

To get a clear picture of what living costs for renters in Huntsville (or other cities) are, we used RentCafe.com’s Cost of Living Calculator, which is based on data from the Council for Community and Economic Research. Here’s a closer look at how your money would be spent on typical living expenses in Huntsville:

Housing (buying and renting):

• Average monthly rent: $1,259
• Average home price: $361,221
• Mortgage rate: 7.2%

Utilities:

• Average energy bill: $172.74/month
• Average phone bill: $189.28/month

Food:

• Milk (1 gallon): $4.54
• Eggs (dozen): $3.35
• Bread: $4.02
• Potatoes: $5.13
• Cheese: $4.46
• Ground beef: $7.07

Healthcare:

• Doctor’s visit: $121
• Dentist: $115.28
• Optometrist: $99.56

Transportation:

• Gas (per gallon): $3.04
• Tire balancing: $67.94

Goods & Services:

• Men’s shirt: $30.30
• Women’s slacks: $32.13
• Boy’s jeans: $29.48
• Haircut: $27
• Beauty salon: $58.56
• Dry cleaning: $13.48
• Movie ticket: $12.82

This breakdown provides insight into what you can expect to spend across key cost-of-living categories. It also reflects how Huntsville can bring you high quality of life at affordable prices, making it easier to plan your monthly budget with confidence.

Is Huntsville a good choice for renters?

The numbers speak for themselves: The average cost of living in Huntsville makes it a smart pick for renters. With housing significantly below the national average and utilities and healthcare also more affordable, your income can go further in Huntsville compared to many other American cities. While some categories, like goods and services or food, may cost slightly more than the state average, they still remain below or in line with the national norm.

So, if you’re comparing options across Alabama or even the U.S., you’ll find that the cost of living in Huntsville, AL, makes it an attractive location. In this case, it means enjoying a city with a high quality of life, a growing job market, and an active rental market.

If you’re thinking about moving, now is the time to explore apartments in Huntsville, AL, and experience everything this city has to offer. The cost of living in Alabama, but Huntsville proves that you don’t have to compromise affordability for lifestyle.

Interested in a different city? Check out our cost of living guides for Denver, Miami, and San Jose, CA.