Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Huntsville is 14% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $64,387 in Huntsville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Huntsville scores 96 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Madison (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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