A+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
6%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Huntsville Texas National
Cost of living9794100
Groceries9798100
Health care9698100
Housing9483100
Transportation9898100
Utilities103103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9998100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Huntsville, TX

Knowing the cost of living in Huntsville allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Huntsville stands at 97, marking it 3% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Huntsville is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Huntsville?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 12 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Huntsville and this is how they responded. 33% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 67% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Huntsville Affordable?

Is Huntsville an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Huntsville, the median home price is 5.7% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 6% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Huntsville come in at $46,983, which is 42.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Huntsville?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Huntsville starts at 6.25% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Huntsville, the groceries index is 3.5% lower than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Huntsville, is 5.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Huntsville cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Huntsville is 3% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Huntsville is 3% lower than the national average
  • Huntsville housing is 6% lower than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Huntsville

See all the best places to live around Huntsville

Compare Huntsville, TX Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$84,786$7,066$1,978$2,544
      Renters$37,758$3,147$881$1,133
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Huntsville, TX, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Huntsville have a median income of $84,786. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,978 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $37,758, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $881.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Oakhurst, TX178982.3%
      Riverside, TX4718911.0%
      New Waverly, TX940919.4%
      Huntsville, TX43,308973.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      West Babylon, NY43,31913737.1%
      Oakley, CA43,28315150.6%
      Apache Junction, AZ43,334937.1%
      Rouyn-Noranda, QC43,276n/a 
      Beverly, MA43,23614645.6%
      Huntsville, TX43,308973.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.