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Brook Highland, AL vs Cottondale, AL

108
Brook Highland
Alabama
VS
+57.6%
68
Cottondale
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Brook Highland, AL and Cottondale, AL is dramatic. Cottondale is 57.6% cheaper than Brook Highland, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brook Highland has a cost index of 108 while Cottondale sits at 68, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Brook Highland is $1,407/month compared to $904/month in Cottondale — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cottondale is more affordable at $118,600 median vs $401,100.

Median household income in Brook Highland is $87,143 compared to $44,250 in Cottondale (+96.9%). While Brook Highland is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brook Highland spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, less than the 24.5% in Cottondale.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.9°F vs 64.3°F). Cottondale receives more rainfall at 57.3" per year compared to 56.6" in Brook Highland.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Brook Highland
108
Cottondale
68
37% cheaper
Median Household Income
Brook Highland
$87,143
49% higher
Cottondale
$44,250

Housing

Median Rent
Brook Highland
$1,407
Cottondale
$904
36% cheaper
Median Home Value
Brook Highland
$401,100
Cottondale
$118,600
70% cheaper
Population
Brook Highland
8,428
Cottondale
2,850

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Brook Highland $971
Cottondale $995
2% cheaper
1 Bed
Brook Highland $1,088
Cottondale $1,000
8% cheaper
2 Bed
Brook Highland $1,208
Cottondale $1,205
3 Bed
Brook Highland $1,517
Cottondale $1,535
1% cheaper
4 Bed
Brook Highland $1,720
Cottondale $1,595
7% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Brook Highland $2.90
Cottondale $2.90
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Brook Highland $2.37
Cottondale $2.37
US $2.50
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Milk (whole)
Brook Highland $3.81
Cottondale $3.81
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Brook Highland $1.75
Cottondale $1.75
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Brook Highland $3.92
Cottondale $3.92
US $4.14
Electricity
Brook Highland $0.17
Cottondale $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Brook Highland 63.9°F
Cottondale 64.3°F
Summer High
Brook Highland 91°F
Cottondale 92°F
Winter Low
Brook Highland 35°F
Cottondale 35°F
Rainfall
Brook Highland 56.6"
Cottondale 57.3"
Rainy Days
Brook Highland 118d
Cottondale 115d