Guntersville, AL vs Helena, AL
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Guntersville is 19.3% cheaper than Helena. With a cost index of 80 vs 99, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Guntersville to Helena should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Guntersville is $785/month compared to $1,420/month in Helena — a 45% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Guntersville has cheaper rent, Helena actually has lower median home values ($292,700 vs $293,500).
Median household income in Guntersville is $67,448 compared to $109,590 in Helena (-38.5%). While Helena is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Guntersville spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, less than the 15.5% in Helena.
Climate-wise, Helena is notably warmer with an average of 64.4°F compared to 59°F in Guntersville. Guntersville receives more rainfall at 57.6" per year compared to 56.2" in Helena.
Income & Cost
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)