Online "cost of living calculators" often use private, undisclosed data. This page uses the federal government's own metro price index, the BEA Regional Price Parities, plus published tax rates.
Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. average = 100)
| Category | Colorado Springs MSA | Huntsville MSA |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 100.7 | 93.1 |
| Housing (rents) | 116.2 | 77.9 |
| Goods | 96.1 | 96.4 |
| Utilities | 83.2 | 83.9 |
| Other services | 99.8 | 96.7 |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities by metro area, 2024 (MARPP table), values rounded to one decimal.[1,2,3]
What the numbers mean
- Overall, prices in the Colorado Springs metro were about 8% higher than in the Huntsville metro in 2024 (100.7 ÷ 93.1).
- Housing drives the difference. BEA's housing price level is about 49% higher in Colorado Springs (116.2 ÷ 77.9). Prices for goods and utilities are nearly the same in both metros.
- RPPs are averages for whole metro areas and lag by about two years. They don't reflect the house you buy, your mortgage rate, or recent price changes. Check current listings and rents yourself.
Taxes that affect your budget
- Income tax: Colorado charges a flat 4.40%. Alabama uses 2%/4%/5% brackets, with 5% applying above $3,000 for single filers and above $6,000 for joint filers in 2026. Some Alabama cities and counties add occupational taxes.[4]
- Sales tax: average combined state and local rates are 9.46% in Alabama and 7.89% in Colorado (midyear 2026). Check your exact city rate.[5]
- Property tax: the effective rate on owner-occupied homes is 0.37% in Alabama and 0.50% in Colorado.[6,7] Alabama homeowners may also qualify for a homestead exemption.[8]
- Military retirement pay is exempt from Alabama income tax.[9]
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Huntsville or Colorado Springs?
How much cheaper is housing in Huntsville than Colorado Springs?
BEA's 2024 housing price level is 77.9 for Huntsville and 116.2 for Colorado Springs. That means Colorado Springs housing costs run about 49% higher on that index. Check current listings for real prices.[1]
Does Alabama have higher sales tax than Colorado?
Yes, on average. The combined state and local average is 9.46% in Alabama and 7.89% in Colorado (midyear 2026).[5]
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 24, 2026. Rules, hours and figures change, so confirm with the official source before you act.
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: Regional Price Parities by state and metro area (2024 data, MARPP table)
- FRED: RPP all items, Huntsville MSA (RPPALL26620)
- FRED: RPP all items, Colorado Springs MSA (RPPALL17820)
- Tax Foundation: State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026
- Tax Foundation: State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026
- Tax Foundation: Alabama tax profile (effective property tax rate)
- Tax Foundation: Colorado tax profile (effective property tax rate)
- Alabama Dept. of Revenue: Homestead exemptions (H-1 to H-4)
- Alabama Dept. of Revenue: Income exempt from Alabama income taxation (lists military retirement pay)