Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Huntsville is 14% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $64,387 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Huntsville scores 96 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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