Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Gilbert is 90% more expensive than Huntsville.

$2,028/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 47%
$121,351/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 42%
$518,600 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 49%
$1,908/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 45%
271,118
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $950/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $11,400/year.

Median household income is $50,573/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Gilbert or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Huntsville?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $950/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Huntsville?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $50,573/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Huntsville details →

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