Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Huntsville is 15% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $63,785 in Huntsville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Alabama salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Huntsville sits at 79 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $260,000 in Huntsville, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,200 in Huntsville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Huntsville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Huntsville (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $56,098 in Huntsville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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