Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Huntsville is 15% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $63,785 in Huntsville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Huntsville scores 96 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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