Quick answer
Huntsville costs $235/month less overall ($1,775 vs $2,010/mo). But Colorado Springs's 4.4% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $480/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Colorado Springs vs Huntsville
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Colorado Springs vs Huntsville at a Glance
| Metric | Colorado Springs | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,800 | $1,650 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $465K | $395K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $395 | $360 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,010 | $1,775 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 36/100 | 50/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 24/100 | 28/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% ✓ | 5% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Huntsville's 1BR averages $1,250/month vs $1,450 in Colorado Springs — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Colorado Springs charges 4.4% state income tax vs 5% in Huntsville. On an $80K salary that's a $480/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,000 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Huntsville are $395K vs $465K in Colorado Springs. At a 20% down payment, that's a $14,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $165/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Colorado Springs, CO
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Colorado Springs. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Colorado Springs
High altitude (6,000 ft) creates cooler summers (75-85°F) and cold, snowy winters (10-25 inches annual snowfall); 300+ sunny days per year; dry desert-like conditions most of year; wildfire risk in surrounding forests; thin air at altitude requires acclimatization
Huntsville
Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Warm summers (80-90°F), mild springs/falls, cool winters (40-50°F). Moderate rainfall year-round.
Job Market
Colorado Springs top industries
Huntsville top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Colorado Springs if…
- →You're a Military families
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts / climbers
- →You're a Aerospace professionals
- →You're a People seeking altitude and outdoor access
Move to Huntsville if…
- →You're a Aerospace & tech professionals
- →You're a Families seeking strong schools + tech job market
- →You're a Remote workers in tech
- →You're a Those relocating from California or Northeast
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Springs or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Huntsville is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,775 in Huntsville vs $2,010 in Colorado Springs — a $235/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Colorado Springs or Huntsville?
Huntsville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50/100 vs 36/100. Colorado Springs is more car-dependent.
Colorado Springs vs Huntsville: which has lower state income tax?
Colorado Springs has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $480/year vs Huntsville (5%).
Is Colorado Springs or Huntsville better for buying a home?
Huntsville has lower median home prices at $395K vs $465K in Colorado Springs — a $70,000 difference on the median home.