Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Huntsville, AL
The 152 mi from Tuscaloosa to Huntsville translate to about 2h 53m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
152 mi · 2h 53m by car · AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 20, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Huntsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 93.072 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 83.931 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 77.946 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 87.722 in Tuscaloosa to 93.072 in Huntsville, a 6.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Huntsville: 6.1% above Tuscaloosa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Huntsville +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 2.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 54.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Huntsville gets around 2.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 218,814 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $70,778 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.33 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.1% between Tuscaloosa and Huntsville (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Huntsville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,600 | $39,750 |
| Production Occupations | 22,310 | $44,450 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,530 | $38,160 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 20,460 | $94,520 |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 19,870 | $107,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Huntsville average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Huntsville averages 54.3 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Huntsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 152 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Huntsville compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 250,940 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Huntsville, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 152 mi and the route typically takes 2h 53m via I 65 and I 20. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Huntsville compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $287,569 in Huntsville vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa — a 25.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Huntsville more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntsville is 6.1% higher than Tuscaloosa (93.072 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Huntsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,778 in Huntsville vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa — a 45.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL · Huntsville, AL.