Living in Huntsville, AL vs. Columbus, GA

Living in the South is not only a great fit for sweet tea lovers – it’s the perfect place for anyone looking to live in a cheaper city with warm weather nearly year-round.

If you want to be a part of a thriving community without the big city prices, you should consider living in Huntsville, AL or Columbus, GA. Whether you are a young professional or part of a growing family, these are two great cities worth considering for your next home.

Why Huntsville, AL or Columbus, GA?

In both Huntsville, AL and Columbus, GA, you’ll be part of a vibrant and welcoming community.

Huntsville made a name for itself during the space race, and NASA remains a major part of this Southern city’s identity. Today, it’s the largest city in Alabama and is bustling with college students, families, and retired military.

Columbus sits on the Chattahoochee River and is overflowing with opportunity. It’s a major hub for top employers like Synovus and Aflac as well as the military base, Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning). Since Columbus is the second largest city in Georgia, there are also plenty of fun things to do.

In this guide, we’ll help you decide which city is the right fit for you and your unique goals. Whether you’re pursuing a lower cost of living or seeking more adventurous outdoor activities, we’ll break down what both Columbus, Georgia and Huntsville, Alabama have to offer!

What’s the cost of living in Huntsville, AL vs. Columbus, GA?

Cost of living in Huntsville, AL

The cost of living in Huntsville, AL won’t break the bank for most young professionals. According to MIT’s living wage calculator, the required annual income pre-taxes for one adult with no children is $32,311. For those looking to start a family, the required annual income for two adults with one child before taxes is $66,675.

Cost of living in Columbus, GA

Columbus has a similar low cost of living to Huntsville and is especially affordable for individuals looking to start or raise a family.

Using the same MIT living wage calculator, the required annual income for one adult with no children pre-taxes is $32,287. And the required combined salary for two adults with one child pre-taxes is $64,896 (that’s $1,700 less than what’s needed for two adults living in Huntsville!).

What career opportunities are in Huntsville, AL vs. Columbus, GA?

Career opportunities in Huntsville, AL

Huntsville offers many career opportunities, especially in the aerospace and defense industries.

Some of the largest employers in the area are the U.S Army Redstone Arsenal (38,000 employees), Huntsville Hospital (9,000 employees), NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (6,000 employees), and The Boeing Company (3,000 employees).

Career opportunities in Columbus, GA

From healthcare to education, you’re sure to find your place at one of the many thriving companies headquartered in Columbus.

The largest employer in Columbus is Fort Moore with over 45,000 employees. The Muscogee County School District is the second largest employer with over 5,000 employees. Other major business hubs are Synovus/TSYS, a Global Payments company (4,000 employees) and Aflac, a major insurance provider (3,000 employees).

Columbus is also investing in many economic development projects, to set residents up for success. Whether you’re a young professional hoping to grow your career or searching for your next senior-level position, Columbus could be the right fit for you.

What’s the climate like in Huntsville, AL vs. Columbus, GA?

Climate in Huntsville, AL

Huntsville has a temperate climate characterized by mild winters and humid summers. Thunderstorms are common during the spring and summer, bringing heavy rain and lightning.

Due to Huntsville’s unique location near the Appalachian Mountains, the city sees slightly more rain annually than most states in the southeast.

According to the National Weather Service data for Huntsville from 1991-2020:

• In the winter, temperatures fluctuate from 55°F to 57°F on average.
• In the spring, temperatures vary from 65°F to 82°F on average.
• In the summer, temperatures fluctuate from 89°F to 91°F on average.
• In the fall, temperatures vary from 63°F to 86°F on average.

Climate in Columbus, GA

This Southern city is also known for high temperatures in the summer—but thankfully, you can cool off in the beautiful Chattahoochee River! You’ll enjoy Columbus’ mild winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees.

According to the U.S. Climate Data for Columbus from 2008-2019:

• In the winter, it fluctuates from 39°F to 60°F on average.
• In the spring, it fluctuates from 69°F to 84°F on average.
• In the summer, it fluctuates from 90°F to 91°F on average.
• In the fall, it fluctuates from 68°F to 86°F on average.

In both Columbus and Huntsville, you’ll love the South’s temperate seasons.

What kind of outdoor activities are in Huntsville, AL vs. Columbus, GA?

Outdoor activities in Huntsville, AL

From water skiing to hiking, there’s an outdoor activity for you in Huntsville.

Head out to Ditto Landing, a dock on the Tennessee River, to check out the boats or go fishing. There’s also the Tennessee River Greenway if you want to go for a peaceful stroll along the river.

You can also opt for the mountain route and go for a hike at Monte Sano State Park. Along the way, keep an eye out for the thirteen different birding sites scattered across the city where you can see over a hundred different species of birds.

Outdoor activities in Columbus, GA

Huntsville doesn’t corner the market on outdoor activities—at least not if Columbus has any say.

Right next to downtown, you can get some fresh air at the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, throw on your swimsuit to take on the world’s largest urban whitewater rafting course.

Another great way to explore the city is Columbus’ Dragonfly Trail, a 32-mile multi-use bike and pedestrian trail that follows former rail lines through Columbus. You will also love the versatility of Standing Boy Trails, a 30-mile system of biking and hiking trails in North Columbus. Everyone from expert mountain bikers to amateur hikers can get in on the fun!

Providence Canyon State Park, otherwise known as “The Little Grand Canyon” is less than an hour drive from Columbus. Known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia, these colorful geological formations are a local treasure.

If you are interested in camping, both Providence Canyon and F.D. Roosevelt State Park have wonderful campgrounds to explore. The park is named after former president Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was drawn to the warm springs for his polio.

What is the culture and community like in Huntsville, AL vs. Columbus, GA?

Culture and community in Huntsville, AL

Since the takeoff of Apollo 12, Huntsville has worn its nickname “The Rocket City” with pride. Outer space fanatics will feel right at home and will love visiting the US Space & Rocket Center.

As the home to the south’s largest privately-owned arts center—the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment facility, Huntsville will allow you to enjoy both the arts and the sciences.

Young professionals and families can also enjoy Huntsville’s growing downtown area, which hosts annual events and festivals like the Panoply Arts Festival and Rocket City Brewfest.

Culture and community in Columbus, GA

“The Fountain City” is proud to be one of the largest cities in Georgia. In Columbus, you will find plenty of museums and education and arts centers to explore, including The Columbus Museum, a free art and history museum, and the beautiful Columbus Botanical Garden.

Music lovers will also enjoy the Springer Opera House, which was named the “State Theater of Georgia” by Jimmy Carter in 1971. It’s one of seven U.S. theaters designated as a National Historic Landmark. If you are looking for fun weekend plans, you could catch a performance at the Opera House followed by dinner or drinks in Columbus’ bustling downtown area.

After a long week, Friday nights in Uptown Columbus are some of the most fun days to look forward to. During the Spring and Fall Concert Series, you can grab a bite to eat and a drink from a nearby restaurant and enjoy dancing to live music including jazz, rock, gospel, and more!

What is the quality of life like in Huntsville, AL vs. Columbus, GA?

Quality of life in Huntsville, AL

You’re likely considering a move South to get more bang for your buck and pursue stronger-knit community. If you decide to live in Huntsville, you’re sure to find both.

According to the US Census, the median household income in Huntsville is over $67,000. That’s almost double the salary we indicated as necessary to make a livable wage in Huntsville as a single adult.

If you’re looking to own a house, you’ll be in good company. 57% of Huntsville are homeowners and 66.3% of Huntsville are homeowners with mortgages.

Quality of life in Columbus, GA

Columbus also sports a similar promise for people with financial aspirations. 48.5% of Columbus residents are homeowners and 69.3% are homeowners with a mortgage.

Plus, the US Census says the median household income in Columbus is over 54K which is almost 22K over what the MIT living wage calculator deemed necessary.

Not to mention, Columbus is a hub for young millennials right now. In 2021, Columbus, GA was named one of the “top cities where millennials are moving.”

The bottom line: should you live in Huntsville, AL or Columbus, GA?

Living in Huntsville offers young professionals and families many perks—like an affordable cost of living, plenty of outdoor activities, and job opportunities in the aerospace and defense industries.

But living in Columbus, Georgia also comes with quite a few benefits. This Southern city is in the middle of an economic boom, has diverse career opportunities for growing families and millennials, and boasts an even lower cost of living.

Plus, Columbus has tons of fun things to do, whether you’re enjoying an afternoon on the RiverWalk, or whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee River. This city is also just a short drive from Atlanta and Georgia’s beautiful mountains, beaches, and gorgeous waterfalls.