Cost of Living in Alabama
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 589 cities in AL. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in Alabama is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in Alabama, with comparisons to national averages.
Alabama's average home value of $143,395 is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $53,426, and average monthly rent is $618.
Most Affordable Cities in Alabama
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Rucker | $0 | $1,402/mo | $75,875 | 5,221 |
| 2 | Prichard | $79,900 | $876/mo | $35,331 | 19,121 |
| 3 | Midfield | $93,700 | $1,199/mo | $51,776 | 5,101 |
| 4 | Tuskegee | $98,500 | $706/mo | $38,160 | 9,070 |
| 5 | Lanett | $98,700 | $785/mo | $42,415 | 6,854 |
| 6 | Gadsden | $101,900 | $787/mo | $38,699 | 33,617 |
| 7 | Selma | $102,500 | $723/mo | $32,184 | 17,442 |
| 8 | Hamilton | $103,500 | $544/mo | $53,714 | 6,907 |
| 9 | Chickasaw | $110,300 | $945/mo | $42,854 | 6,367 |
| 10 | Saks | $113,400 | $898/mo | $50,529 | 10,727 |
| 11 | Tarrant | $113,800 | $838/mo | $38,861 | 6,014 |
| 12 | Monroeville | $115,800 | $589/mo | $31,629 | 5,875 |
| 13 | Talladega | $116,600 | $765/mo | $46,820 | 15,041 |
| 14 | Opp | $117,000 | $723/mo | $41,346 | 6,752 |
| 15 | Russellville | $117,300 | $716/mo | $52,529 | 10,783 |
Most Expensive Cities in Alabama
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mountain Brook | $891,300 | $1,444/mo | $191,128 | 22,160 |
| 2 | Highland Lakes | $562,600 | $0/mo | $169,833 | 5,673 |
| 3 | Homewood | $502,300 | $1,457/mo | $108,386 | 27,697 |
| 4 | Vestavia Hills | $494,500 | $1,455/mo | $129,171 | 38,704 |
| 5 | Orange Beach | $476,000 | $1,339/mo | $89,034 | 8,244 |
| 6 | Fairhope | $406,500 | $1,637/mo | $86,509 | 23,360 |
| 7 | Brook Highland | $401,100 | $1,407/mo | $87,143 | 8,428 |
| 8 | Hoover | $391,300 | $1,404/mo | $107,822 | 92,401 |
| 9 | Meadowbrook | $390,100 | $1,276/mo | $145,464 | 8,939 |
| 10 | Pike Road | $375,000 | $1,615/mo | $121,687 | 10,103 |
Highest Income Cities in Alabama
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mountain Brook | $191,128 | $891,300 | 22,160 |
| 2 | Highland Lakes | $169,833 | $562,600 | 5,673 |
| 3 | Meadowbrook | $145,464 | $390,100 | 8,939 |
| 4 | Redland | $131,667 | $306,600 | 5,231 |
| 5 | Madison | $131,436 | $367,900 | 58,335 |
| 6 | Vestavia Hills | $129,171 | $494,500 | 38,704 |
| 7 | Pike Road | $121,687 | $375,000 | 10,103 |
| 8 | Trussville | $120,794 | $351,500 | 26,182 |
| 9 | Chelsea | $110,056 | $339,400 | 15,731 |
| 10 | Helena | $109,590 | $292,700 | 21,452 |
Cost of Living FAQ — Alabama
What is the average cost of living in Alabama?
The average median home value across Alabama cities is $143,395, with average rent of $618/month. The average median household income is $53,426.
What are the cheapest cities in Alabama?
The most affordable cities in Alabama by home value include Fort Rucker ($0), Prichard ($79,900), Midfield ($93,700).
What is the most expensive city in Alabama?
The most expensive city in Alabama is Mountain Brook with a median home value of $891,300.
How does Alabama compare to the national average?
Alabama's average home value of $143,395 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $618/month is below the US average of $1,163.