Cost of Living in Alabama
The cost of living in Alabama is 12% lower than the national average
| Cost of Living in Alabama | Compared to National Average |
|---|---|
| Housing (Buy and Rent) | 29% lower |
| Utilities (Monthly) | 3% higher |
| Food | 3% lower |
| Healthcare | 4% lower |
| Transportation | 3% lower |
| Goods & Services | 9% lower |
Summary
The cost of living in Alabama is 12% lower than the national average. Housing is 29% lower than the national average, while utilities are 3% higher. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 3% lower than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs 9% lower.
Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 4% lower in Alabama compared to the national average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 9% lower.
The Cost of Living in Alabama Largest Cities Compared to the National Average
This is how much pricier or cheaper it is to live in Alabama’s 12 largest cities compared to the national average.
The cost of living in Alabama varies depending on the city you live in. The priciest city in Alabama is Athens, where the cost of living is 9% higher compared to the state average and 4% lower than in the rest of the U.S. The cheapest major city in Alabama is Oxford, with a cost of living 5% lower below the state average and 17% lower than the national average.
| City, State | Compared to State Average | Compared to National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Madison, AL | 9% higher | 4% lower |
| Athens, AL | 9% higher | 4% lower |
| Auburn, AL | 9% higher | 4% lower |
| Montgomery, AL | 4% higher | 9% lower |
| Huntsville, AL | 3% higher | 9% lower |
| Birmingham, AL | 3% higher | 10% lower |
| Cullman, AL | 2% higher | 11% lower |
| Scottsboro, AL | 2% higher | 11% lower |
| Hartselle, AL | 2% higher | 11% lower |
| Oneonta, AL | 2% higher | 11% lower |
| Mobile, AL | 1% higher | 11% lower |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 1% higher | 12% lower |
| Albertville, AL | 2% lower | 14% lower |
| Muscle Shoals, AL | 2% lower | 14% lower |
| Gadsden, AL | 3% lower | 15% lower |
| Fort Payne, AL | 3% lower | 15% lower |
| Russellville, AL | 3% lower | 15% lower |
| Hamilton, AL | 3% lower | 15% lower |
| Haleyville, AL | 3% lower | 15% lower |
| Centre, AL | 3% lower | 15% lower |
| Moulton, AL | 3% lower | 15% lower |
| Dothan, AL | 3% lower | 15% lower |
| Decatur, AL | 5% lower | 16% lower |
| Florence, AL | 5% lower | 17% lower |
| Oxford, AL | 5% lower | 17% lower |
| Anniston, AL | 5% lower | 17% lower |