Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Huntsville and Louisville have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Kentucky salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Louisville sits at 77 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $210,000 in Louisville, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,100 in Louisville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Huntsville scores 96 while Louisville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) match Louisville (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $52,238 in Louisville. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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