Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Huntsville is 17% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $62,615 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 ยท Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Huntsville scores 96 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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