Quick answer
Memphis costs $320/month less overall ($1,455 vs $1,775/mo). Memphis also has lower state income tax (None vs 5%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Huntsville vs Memphis
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
Huntsville vs Memphis at a Glance
| Metric | Huntsville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,250 | $1,220 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,220 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $395K | $195K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $150 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $360 | $325 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,775 | $1,455 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 50/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 28/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | 5% | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Memphis's 1BR averages $980/month vs $1,250 in Huntsville — a $270/month difference, or $3,240/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Memphis charges None state income tax vs 5% in Huntsville. On an $80K salary that's a $4,000/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,000 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Memphis are $195K vs $395K in Huntsville. At a 20% down payment, that's a $40,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Huntsville utilities run $15 more per month than Memphis. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Memphis, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Memphis. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Huntsville
Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Warm summers (80-90°F), mild springs/falls, cool winters (40-50°F). Moderate rainfall year-round.
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
Job Market
Huntsville top industries
Memphis top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
Move to Memphis if…
- →You're a logistics / supply chain workers
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a musicians
- →You're a remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huntsville or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $1,775 in Huntsville — a $320/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Huntsville or Memphis?
Huntsville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50/100 vs 36/100. Memphis is more car-dependent.
Huntsville vs Memphis: which has lower state income tax?
Memphis has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $4,000/year vs Huntsville (5%).
Is Huntsville or Memphis better for buying a home?
Memphis has lower median home prices at $195K vs $395K in Huntsville — a $200,000 difference on the median home.