Factors that influence moving costs from Louisville to Huntsville
What to know before moving from Louisville to Huntsville
Moving from Louisville to Huntsville comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Huntsville is generally more expensive than Louisville, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Louisville | Huntsville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,409 |
Average home value | $242,612 | $266,736 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,771 | $60,959 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,862 | $3,133 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,532 | $4,140 |
Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 3.1% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Huntsville are 13% higher than in Louisville, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Louisville.
Home prices in Huntsville are 9.9% higher than in Louisville. - Income in Huntsville is 12.6% lower than in Louisville, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Huntsville, since the cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 68.3% higher than in Louisville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 8.6% lower than in Louisville.
- The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 38.00% lower than in Louisville.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Huntsville are 50.00% higher than in Louisville.
- State income taxes in Huntsville are 25.00% higher than in Louisville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,047.80 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Louisville.
How life is different in Louisville vs. Huntsville
Huntsville | Louisville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 241,114 | 782,969 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 6 |
Walkability score | 24 | 91 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 79 |
Crime Index | 42.55 | 56.68 |
Safety Index | 57.45 | 43.32 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Huntsville's population is about 69% less than Louisville.
- Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Louisville's higher score of 6.
- Huntsville is less walkable than Louisville with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Louisville's 91 out of 100.
- Huntsville has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Louisville, which has a score of 79 out of 100.
- Huntsville's crime rate is lower than Louisville with a score of 42.55 compared to Louisville's 56.68. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 56.68%.
- Huntsville is considered to be safer than Louisville with a safety index of 57.45 vs Louisville's 43.32.
- Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Louisville it's good.
Other things to consider for your Louisville vs. Huntsville move
- Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Alabama moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Alabama doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Huntsville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Huntsville
Ready to relocate to "Rocket City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Huntsville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Five Points
- Downtown Huntsville
- Hampton Cove
- Whitesburg
- Research Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Blossomwood
- Hampton Cove
- Jones Valley
- Madison
- South Huntsville
Things to do in Huntsville
Once youโre settled into your new home in Alabama, itโs time to get out and discover what Huntsville has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Huntsville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Louisville to Huntsville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Louisville to Huntsville. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Louisville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Louisville to Huntsville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Louisville to Huntsville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Louisville to Huntsville take?
The 289-mile journey from Louisville, KY to Huntsville, AL typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Louisville offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Huntsville.