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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Mesa is 37% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,478/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 27%
$78,779/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 10%
$364,300 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 28%
$1,404/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 25%
507,478
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $8,001/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Mesa or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Huntsville?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Huntsville?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $8,001/year higher in Mesa.
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 Mesa or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Huntsville details →

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