How Much Rent Can You Charge in Huntsville, Athens, and Decatur?
Setting the right rent is crucial — too high, and you risk long vacancies; too low, and you leave money on the table. In Northern Alabama, rents vary quite a bit depending on city, neighborhood, property type, and amenities. Below are the latest data (as of Fall 2025) for Huntsville, Athens, and Decatur to help guide your pricing.
1. Huntsville, AL
City-wide averages / medians:
-
Average across all property types: around $1,400/month
-
Median rent: about $1,395/month
-
By bedroom size (approximate):
-
Studio ≈ $950
-
One-bedroom ≈ $1,070
-
Two-bedroom ≈ $1,300
-
Three-bedroom ≈ $1,570
-
By neighborhood / premium vs more modest areas:
-
Newer or upscale neighborhoods (such as Providence or Autumn Ridge) often fetch above the city average, with 2-3 bedroom homes in the $1,500-$1,700+ range.
-
More modest neighborhoods or older properties may rent for less — often in the $900-$1,100 range for one-bedrooms.
Trends:
-
Huntsville rents have seen some fluctuations — certain apartment categories have decreased slightly year-over-year, but higher-end neighborhoods remain steady or even rising.
2. Athens, AL
City-wide averages:
-
Overall average rent: about $1,690/month
-
Median rent: around $1,620/month
-
By bedroom size:
-
One-bedroom ≈ $970
-
Two-bedroom ≈ $1,200
-
Three-bedroom ≈ $1,520
-
Insights / what causes variation:
-
Rents range widely, from as low as $700-$900 for modest units to $2,500-$2,900 for larger or newer properties.
-
Proximity to schools, universities, and employers has a big influence on rent potential.
3. Decatur, AL
City-wide averages:
-
Overall average rent: around $1,400/month
-
Median rent: about $1,075/month
-
By bedroom size:
-
One-bedroom ≈ $770
-
Two-bedroom ≈ $950
-
Three-bedroom ≈ $1,100+
-
Trends:
-
Decatur is generally more affordable than Huntsville and Athens.
-
Rents have grown modestly in some property segments but remain relatively stable overall.
4. What This Means for Landlords / How to Set Rent
Here are some guidelines based on the above data:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Know your property’s class & condition | Modern, well-amenitized homes or apartments in desirable neighborhoods will command premium rents. Older units or fewer amenities should be priced lower. |
| Compare apples to apples | Always compare similarly sized units (bedrooms, baths, square footage), condition, and location. |
| Track market trends | Regularly check current listings and rental trend data to see what similar homes are renting for. |
| Factor in expenses | Don’t forget taxes, maintenance, vacancy costs, and insurance. Your rent should cover costs and provide return on investment. |
| Be strategic with pricing | Sometimes pricing slightly below the “top” of the market means faster occupancy and fewer vacancies. Offering incentives (like minor upgrades or move-in specials) can also justify higher rents. |