Are you considering a move to Huntsville, Alabama, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Huntsville, Alabama is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Huntsville, Alabama and help you understand whether $3173 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5988.25.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
16.5 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
50.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.75 $ |
|
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Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.13 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.17 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.02 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.51 $ |
|
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
4.14 $ |
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|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.51 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
15.74 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
11.14 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
13.86 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
6.94 $ |
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Banana (1 lb) |
1.59 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
4.65 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
4.38 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
2.9 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
4.06 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
1.68 $ |
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.69 $ |
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Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
10.0 $ |
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Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.33 $ |
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Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
8.1 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
30.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.24 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
30.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.84 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21500.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23666.67 $ |
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|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
199.25 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
58.75 $ |
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Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
35.0 $ |
|
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
2.5 $ |
|
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Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
9.5 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
791.67 $ |
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International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
-- |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
30.98 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
24.5 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
74.25 $ |
|
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1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
113.33 $ |
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|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1436.25 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
850.0 $ |
|
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1775.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1650.0 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1847.8 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1578.71 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
5988.25 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.56 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Huntsville, Alabama come to a total of approximately $3173. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1436 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $228 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $963 per month.
Living in Huntsville, Alabama appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5988.25. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Huntsville, Alabama, you would likely need an income exceeding $5988.25.
In Huntsville, Alabama, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5988.25, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Huntsville, Alabama is approximately $1436. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $850.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Huntsville, Alabama can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $797 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
Overall, the Huntsville area is a medium risk for danger, though many pockets of the area outside of Madison County, where Huntsville is located, would be considered low risk.
A ride in Huntsville is easy to come by and there's low risk when you call a cab. There's a required business license by the city of Huntsville for any business that offers rides in taxis, rideshare, or limousine. The city also has rideshare opportunities for business travelers in the CommuteSmart rideshare and Enterprise Rideshare. Traveling federal employees can get $260 a month toward the commuting cost through the Transit Benefit Program.
There's a medium risk of pickpocketing in Huntsville. Nearly 5,000 thefts were reported in the city in 2020. More than 40% of those cases were solved, and that's more than twice the solve rate compared to national numbers. Many pickpocket crimes in Huntsville could be those of opportunity. People might look up at the amazing Redstone Rocket and not keep a close eye on their belongings.
Huntsville brings a medium risk of natural disasters, but in April it might jump into the high category. While not in the traditional "tornado alley", northern Alabama is a hot spot for tornado activity. Just ask any local about the April 27, 2011 storm and they'll remember with vivid clarity where they were that day. Winter averages two days of snowfall in the northern Alabama corridor.
There's a low risk of mugging in Huntsville barring an accidental wander into a rough neighborhood. Huntsville Police reported 213 robberies in 2020 and nearly 60% of those were solved. Visually, it's easy to tell in Huntsville when you are in a good neighborhood vs. a sketchy one.
The terrorism risk in Huntsville is medium, mostly due to two potential targets – The U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Redstone Arsenal. Both are government-run operations. One holds historical information and artifacts of the U.S. Space Program and the other is a land full of top-secret information and the design of ballistic missiles. Redstone Arsenal is home to the Missile Defense Agency and the Missing and Space Intelligence Center. Between the two potential targets, they are working to pave the way to Mars with the Space Launch System.
The risk of a scam here is at a medium level. The grade is not to say there are a lot of scams here, but more that people in the Huntsville area are nice, trusting people who want to help. Law enforcement regularly sends out a list of scams to residents and the media. The scams ebb and flow throughout the year.
There's a medium risk for women traveling solo. This is the south, so people will naturally be friendly if you are out alone, but be on guard for anyone who approaches. Just because it's a nice town doesn't mean there aren't bad people trying to take advantage of tourists. Be especially careful when using the biking or running trails alone, as it's easy to zone out and not be aware of the surroundings.
Drinking from the tap in Huntsville is a low risk. Huntsville Utilities oversees the quality of the water. In the past 4 years, there have been no violations of the Safe Water Drinking Act. The only eyebrow-raising concern comes from the Redstone Arsenal area where in the past 6 years there has been at least one report of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) leaking into the water, but PFAS comes from a variety of sources and some levels can be common in any drinking water.
For those flying internationally, you'll need a visa or passport at the airport to get through the Huntsville Port of Entry. Other than that, no requirements exist to travel within the northern Alabama region. A non-immigrant visa that applies to tourists, students, and international business travelers will cost $160. There is a waiver for U.S. government employees traveling for business, and Huntsville does do a lot of government work.
All currency is in U.S. dollars here. Be prepared for some cash-only mom-and-pop shops or farmers selling produce on the side of the road. Venmo is an easy way to pay for items without having to bring a slew of credit and debit cards. There is a currency exchange at the Huntsville airport, and you'll be shocked at the cryptocurrency options in this southern town. That's partially driven by the country's second-largest tech park - Cumming Research Park.
Huntsville is one of those cities where, if you don't like the weather, wait a day – it will change. Spring brings a risk of storms, so pack rain gear. Winters range from the mid-50s to the low 30s, so you will need to pack a coat. Snowfall is rare but can happen. Summer highs can reach into the 90s, and it's a humid climate, so get ready to sweat.
Huntsville International Airport is 20 miles from the city core. In the past year, it has served nearly 320,000 passengers. It's not uncommon for people to fly to Nashville or Birmingham and drive to Huntsville. Those airports are bigger and offer more flight options and fewer connections.
Winter storms can cripple the generally mild region and in summer severe weather can quickly knock out power and communication. Travel insurance is beneficial to anyone who wants to visit such a beautiful area that does have its weather demons.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 50°F | 54°F | 63°F | 72°F | 79°F | 86°F | 88°F | 88°F | 82°F | 72°F | 61°F | 53°F |
| Temp | 40°F | 44°F | 52°F | 60°F | 68°F | 76°F | 78°F | 77°F | 71°F | 60°F | 51°F | 43°F |
| Low | 33°F | 36°F | 43°F | 51°F | 59°F | 66°F | 70°F | 68°F | 62°F | 51°F | 42°F | 36°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 10°C | 12°C | 17°C | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 27°C | 22°C | 16°C | 11°C |
| Temp | 4°C | 6°C | 11°C | 15°C | 20°C | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 21°C | 15°C | 10°C | 6°C |
| Low | 0°C | 2°C | 6°C | 10°C | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C | 20°C | 16°C | 10°C | 5°C | 2°C |