Average Rent in Huntsville, AL🔺 2nd priciest in AL

Huntsville, AL has rental prices ranging from $928/month to $1,964/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,071/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $83,529/year, spending $1,071/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Huntsville Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,248/month, Huntsville ranks #2 most expensive of the 58 cities tracked in Alabama — pricier than 84% of all US cities in our data.

The Huntsville Rental Market

The Huntsville, AL area has a population of about 504,712 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Huntsville, AL have fallen by $0/month (0.0%) over the past year, from $1,248 to $1,248. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Huntsville, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,840. The local median household income of $83,529 exceeds that threshold by $40,689, making Huntsville relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Huntsville, AL is $291,155, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 19.4. With a break-even horizon of approximately 19 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Huntsville's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Hillandale ($108,123 median home value), Terry Heights ($116,225 median home value), East Mastin Lake ($121,304 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Huntsville, AL Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Huntsville?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Huntsville

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.