What Is The Cost Of Living In Huntsville, AL?
Huntsville, Alabama, is one of the most beautiful cities you may come across. It has green open spaces where you can take strolls with your loved one and drag shows at night where you can grab a drink and watch the entertainment. There are many attractive things about the cities, but what is the cost of living in Huntsville?
The median home cost of living in Huntsville, Alabama, is $153,200. However, this number does not cover other living costs, such as child care, utilities, groceries, and taxes. We will help you determine all of the small expenses contributing to how much you spend on life in Huntsville.
The minimum wage in Alabama is $7.25 an hour, while the liveable wage is $14.07 an hour. Many people will have a range of pay bases that will help them live in the city. Though the cost of living is much lower than that of New York or San Francisco, the other costs add up. Here is a breakdown of exactly how much you might spend to live each month in Huntsville, Alabama.
Do You Need to Hire Movers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Home Ownership in Huntsville, AL
Owning a home in Huntsville, Alabama, is comparatively a lot less expensive than other places around the country, but there is still the initial cost. Most Alabama homes cost around $129,300, while living in Alabama cost somewhere around $153,200; this is 8% higher than other places in the state. However, this is still 12% lower than the national average.
There are some places in Huntsville where the price goes up to $258,168. This can be for a bigger-sized house close to the city. If you are looking for something affordable it is possible to find something within your budget. If you don’t think you can afford it, try renting!
How Much Does A Home Cost To Rent
When you move to Huntsville you will notice there are a few homes to rent. In fact, 3.4% of the market is available to rent. Here is what you can expect to pay:
| Style Of Home | Price Per Month |
| Studio | $653 |
| 1 Bedroom | $764 |
| 2 Bedroom | $902 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1208 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1585 |
Compared to many states this is affordable and can be a great deal especially so close to a phenomenal city. If you are a couple or a single person finding a studio apartment can be one of the best and easiest ways to afford living in Huntsville, Alabama.
Property Taxes in Huntsville, AL
In 2018 research suggested on average, a homeowner in Huntsville, Alabama, paid a tax property rate of 0.48%, which is the second-lowest rate in the nation. The only exception to this is if you are over 65 or disabled, you do not have to pay property taxes.
The property taxes are much lower than the national average because the wealth is much smaller. The property taxes are based on what the average person can afford. This may seem like a small number, but it also reflects how much the average person can afford.
Utilities In Huntsville
In every state you will move to, you will have to pay utilities. Sometimes when you are renting, these fees get pushed together, but you will have to ensure this happens in your contract. For a small apartment of 915 sq ft, you can expect to pay $135.96 a month for the basic utilities. What do utilities include?
- Electricity
- Cooling
- Heating
- Water
- Garbage
There may be certain places that do not include garbage, and you will have to find your own way to dispose of your trash. Some places will cover this cost, but you must provide your own garbage cans that still need to meet community requirements.
The Cost Of Child Care
If you have a family, you know that child care is expensive but a necessity. It is a part of daily life that many people don’t talk about and can be a considerable expense and a giant chunk of your paycheck.
In Huntsville, the average cost of full-time daycare per week is:
| Age | Cost Per Week |
| Under 2.5 | $121 |
| 2.5 to 5 | $112 |
| 6+ | $99 |
You can expect to pay between $396 a month to $484 a month per child. However, if you are looking at a private daycare that may also teach your children or prep them for school, you will end up paying much more. Some places may charge up to $849 per month. It all depends on what you want and what you are looking for.
Food in Huntsville, Alabama
Something we tend to overlook when moving or living somewhere is the prices of food. Grocery shopping is something most of us do weekly and, if we are lucky, sometimes monthly. The bigger your family is, the more you will spend on groceries per week.
Here is a list of some grocery items and prices in Huntsville; this can be a good starting place to figure out what you eat and how much you’ll spend a week or a month.
| Food Item | Cost |
| 1 Gallon Of Milk | $2.51 |
| 1 Loaf Of White Bread | $2.22 |
| 1 Carton Of Eggs | $1.76 |
| Local Cheese | $3.96 |
| 1 Pound Of Chicken | $3.54 |
| 1 Pound Of Onion | $1.30 |
| 1 Head Of Lettuce | $1.46 |
| 1 Bottle Of Mid-Range Wine | $12-15 |
| 0.5 Liters Of Domestic Beer | $3.81 |
Huntsville, AL Entertainment Costs
After moving, you will want to start going to do fun activities that Huntsville offers, and most of them will cost money. What is there to do, and how much does it cost? Well, the truth is there are many different things to do, a wide variety of things to do. You will need to set yourself a budget and stick with it. Here is a list of activities that can help you determine that budget.
| Activity | Price Range |
| Restaurants (mid-range) | $8-$25 |
| Fitness Club (one adult, low price range) | $22-$40 |
| Movies (basic movie) | $9.50 |
| Drag Shows or Live Shows | $10-$100 |
| Museums | $25-$125 |
No matter where you go, there will be extra expenses. Many of these activities will offer different prices depending on the experience you want. There is no set price, and it may vary depending on where you are and what you are doing.
Education in Huntsville Alabama
Going to school is expensive and putting your kids through private school can also be expensive. There are so many costs that add up every year we want to make sure you are as prepared as possible.
On average many of the teachers have 17 kids and spend about $11,583 per student. However, that does not mean you have to pay that amount; it means that’s what it costs the school. Here are some other things to keep in mind when looking at education costs in Huntsville.
Private School
One of the best private schools in Alabama is actually in Huntsville. It runs from kindergarten through 12th grade and costs around $9,250 a year to send your kid there. There may be a few more private school options in the area, and you will want to check the fees and what those fees include.
University
There is a university 1.7 miles away from Huntsville and is a great option for many locals. If you are thinking of attending a University, this may be a budget-friendly option compared to other states.
If you become an Alabama resident who attends the University of Alabama annually, you will spend around $9,736 for tuition alone. However, this does not cover costs or room and board, or any textbook fees. If you need room, food, textbooks, and more, you can expect to pay around $27,636 a year.
Technical College
For an Alabama resident, this may be the most budget-friendly option. On average, many people only spend around $4,770 per year. However, if you are an out-of-state person who just moved and does not have residency, you may spend double about $8,700 a year.
If you are moving to Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go back to school, it may benefit you to wait a year and become a resident. This might help you pay a lower amount than being out of state. However, if you have kids and wish to send them to a private school, there are many amazing options, but all come with a small price.
Related Questions
How much do you need to live comfortably in Alabama?
On average, to live comfortably in Alabama, you will need to make at least $39,920 a year. This means you would need to make $3,326 a month to live on your own in Alabama. The bigger your family is, the more you will need to make.
Is Huntsville a good place to live?
Huntsville is a great city for many people to live in with many activities, nightlife, outdoor activities, and more. It is a wonderful city for young professionals and growing families.
What are the main industries in Huntsville?
A few industries are growing in Huntsville, Alabama, aerospace/defense, technology, and manufacturing.
Do You Need to Hire Movers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
In Conclusion
Huntsville, Alabama, is an amazing place to live and maybe cheaper than other states. However, it can also be one of the more expensive cities to live in, and you will want to keep that in mind when choosing a place to live.
There are many growing industries that you can join and a lot of nightlife to see. If you are a single person, this may be one of the most enjoyable cities to experience, but it can also be a great place to raise a family.
Related Articles
We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.
More by Upgraded Home Team
