8 mid-sized cities where a $3,000 pension goes twice as far
8 mid-sized cities where a $3,000 pension goes twice as far 3. Huntsville, Alabama - Rocket City with Rock-Bottom Costs ©Wikimedia Tucked away in the hills of northern Alabama, Huntsville is a frequent flyer on affordability lists for its competitive housing costs and high quality of life, ranking number two for value overall. There's something quietly remarkable about a city that houses NASA engineers and retirees under the same very affordable roof. It's an unusual and energizing mix. Alabama has a cost of living index of 87.9, the third-lowest in the country, with the second-lowest housing costs across all states and the average single-family house selling for just $170,184. For someone drawing $3,000 a month, that means housing costs that barely register compared to what they'd pay in a coastal city. Alabama also has especially attractive tax policies, including no income taxes on retirement income from government pensions or 401(k) plans. Reference: www.ms...