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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Huntsville is 38% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,078/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 78%
$70,778/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 32%
$263,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 51%
$1,046/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 52%
218,814
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $839/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $10,068/year.

Median household income is $22,593/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Surprise — common questions

Is Huntsville or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Surprise?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $839/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Surprise?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $22,593/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Arizona?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Surprise

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite