Factors that influence moving costs from Salt Lake City to Huntsville
What to know before moving from Salt Lake City to Huntsville
Moving from Salt Lake City to Huntsville comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Huntsville is generally more expensive than Salt Lake City, 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:
Salt Lake City | Huntsville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,495 | $1,409 |
Average home value | $549,528 | $266,736 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,975 | $60,959 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,172 | $3,133 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,827 | $4,140 |
Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 3.1% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Huntsville are 6% lower than in Salt Lake City, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Huntsville.
Home prices in Huntsville are 51.5% lower than in Salt Lake City. - Income in Huntsville is 4.7% lower than in Salt Lake City, 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 44.2% higher than in Salt Lake City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 14.2% lower than in Salt Lake City.
- The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 3.33% higher than in Salt Lake City.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Huntsville are 16.13% higher than in Salt Lake City.
- State income taxes in Huntsville are 1.01% higher than in Salt Lake City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,327.35 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Salt Lake City.
How life is different in Salt Lake City vs. Huntsville
Huntsville | Salt Lake City | |
---|---|---|
Population | 241,114 | 200,133 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 8 |
Walkability score | 24 | 59 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 74 |
Crime Index | 42.55 | 34.64 |
Safety Index | 57.45 | 65.36 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Huntsville's population is about 20% greater than Salt Lake City.
- Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Salt Lake City's higher score of 8.
- Huntsville is less walkable than Salt Lake City with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Salt Lake City's 59 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 Salt Lake City, which has a score of 74 out of 100.
- Huntsville's crime rate is higher than Salt Lake City with a score of 42.55 compared to Salt Lake City's 34.64. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Salt Lake City neighborhoods are safer than 34.64%.
- Huntsville is considered to be less safe than Salt Lake City with a score of 57.45 vs Salt Lake City's 65.36.
- Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Salt Lake City it's good.
Other things to consider for your Salt Lake City vs. Huntsville move
- Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Alabama doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Huntsville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Huntsville
With your sights set on "Rocket City", these are some of the most popular 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
Now that you've made the move to Alabama, itโs the perfect time to explore Huntsville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Huntsville, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 Salt Lake City to Huntsville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Salt Lake City to Huntsville. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Salt Lake City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Salt Lake City to Huntsville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Huntsville take?
The 1,746-mile journey from Salt Lake City, UT to Huntsville, AL typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Salt Lake City 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.