Hayden, AL vs Highland Lake, AL

Hayden, AL and Highland Lake, AL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Hayden scores 87 while Highland Lake scores 83 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hayden is $1,175/month compared to $950/month in Highland Lake — a 24% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Highland Lake has cheaper rent, Hayden actually has lower median home values ($233,500 vs $268,500).

Median household income in Hayden is $80,625 compared to $65,625 in Highland Lake (+22.9%). While Hayden is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hayden spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 17.4% in Highland Lake.

Climate-wise, Highland Lake is notably warmer with an average of 63.9°F compared to 59.9°F in Hayden. Hayden receives more rainfall at 58.7" per year compared to 56.6" in Highland Lake.