Hayden, AL vs Kennedy, AL
The cost of living difference between Hayden, AL and Kennedy, AL is dramatic. Kennedy is 45.1% cheaper than Hayden, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hayden has a cost index of 87 while Kennedy sits at 60, 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 Hayden is $1,175/month compared to $667/month in Kennedy — a 76% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kennedy is more affordable at $103,400 median vs $233,500.
Median household income in Hayden is $80,625 compared to $42,031 in Kennedy (+91.8%). 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, less than the 19% in Kennedy.
Climate-wise, Kennedy is notably warmer with an average of 64.5°F compared to 59.9°F in Hayden. Hayden receives more rainfall at 58.7" per year compared to 53.5" in Kennedy.
Income & Cost
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)