City comparison
No. Huntsville's crime index is 134 versus 144 in Glendale, and its violent crime index is 127 versus 135, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Huntsville is cheaper. Median rent is $1,171 a month versus $1,528 in Glendale.
The cost gap between Glendale and Huntsville is the real story here. Huntsville comes in 23% cheaper on typical rent ($1,528 vs $1,171), which over a year adds up to $4,284. Median household income runs $73,530 in Glendale and $74,714 in Huntsville.
Huntsville is not a close call here. It leads on cost of living, the job market, and safety by margins that add up in daily life. Glendale makes sense if you have a specific reason, a job offer, family, or a neighborhood you already know, but on the numbers alone Huntsville is the stronger move.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Huntsville at $1,171 average has pockets that run $971 and others at $1,571: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Glendale and Huntsville are 1,462 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,528 a month in Glendale to $1,171 a month in Huntsville, down $357 a month (23%).
Median household income goes from $73,530 in Glendale to $74,714 in Huntsville, up $1,184 (2%).
The crime index goes from 144 in Glendale to 134 in Huntsville, down 10 points (7%).
The move
Huntsville and Glendale are 1,462 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,171 a month in Huntsville to $1,528 a month in Glendale, up $357 a month (30%).
Median household income goes from $74,714 in Huntsville to $73,530 in Glendale, down $1,184 (2%).
The crime index goes from 134 in Huntsville to 144 in Glendale, up 10 points (7%).
Glendale, AZ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Huntsville, AL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Glendale and Huntsville? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
23% cheaper
Huntsville rent is 23% cheaper than Glendale
Glendale
$1,528/mo
Huntsville
Winner$1,171/mo
Typical rent runs $1,171 a month in Huntsville versus $1,528 in Glendale, so Huntsville is 23% cheaper. That's roughly $357/month back in your pocket ($4,284/year). Over five years that's $21,420 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Glendale, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Huntsville is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Huntsville? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
2% higher
Huntsville's median income is 2% higher than Glendale
Glendale
$73,530
Huntsville
Winner$74,714
Median household income is $74,714 in Huntsville versus $73,530 in Glendale, so typical pay runs 2% higher in Huntsville (about $1,184 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
7% lower crime
Huntsville's crime index is 7% lower than Glendale
Glendale
144 (100 = avg)
Huntsville
Winner134 (100 = avg)
Huntsville's crime index is 134 versus 144 in Glendale (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 7% lower in Huntsville. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Huntsville, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Glendale. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
3% more comfortable
Glendale weather is 3% more comfortable than Huntsville
Glendale
Winner81°F avg · 87°F highs · comfort 97/100
Huntsville
63°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 94/100
Glendale averages about 81°F (87°F highs); Huntsville averages about 63°F (74°F highs). Glendale averages around 81°F. Huntsville averages around 63°F. Glendale scores 3% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Huntsville if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Pick Glendale if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (81°F) beat Huntsville on this page's weather index by 3%. Huntsville may pay more or cost less, but Glendale is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Huntsville is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 23% cheaper here at about $1,171 a month. Choose Huntsville if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Huntsville is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 2% higher here ($74,714). Start with Huntsville if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Huntsville is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 7% lower than Glendale (134 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Weather separates these metros: $1,528/month rent in Glendale at 81°F versus $1,171 in Huntsville at 63°F. Income runs $73,530 vs $74,714, but the daily feel of the move is the temperature gap.
Safety scores read 49/100 in Glendale and 51/100 in Huntsville.
Glendale wins on climate (81°F vs 63°F); Huntsville is the better fit if $1,171 rent and $74,714 pay matter more than daily weather.
Typical rent stays $1,171 in Huntsville and $1,528 in Glendale.
Common questions
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Glendale and Huntsville, plus other cities in AZ and AL.
