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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Phoenix is 40% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,458/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 26%
$77,041/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 8%
$381,900 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 31%
$1,430/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 27%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $6,263/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Phoenix or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Huntsville?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Huntsville?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $6,263/year higher in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Huntsville details →

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