When it comes to finding a place to call home, everyone wants something different. But one thing that most people can agree on is that they want a home that mixes affordability with comfort.
And when it comes to affordable comfort, Alabama really knows how to deliver. Families love the Heart Of Dixie’s beaches, midlands, and mountains as tourists before moving here and calling it home.
So what exactly is the cost of living in Alabama? Well, it depends on which part of the state you’re looking at. The cost of living in Birmingham, for example, is significantly lower than the cost of living in Huntsville.
And the same goes for Mobile and Montgomery. So no matter what your budget is, there’s sure to be a part of Alabama that’s perfect for you.
Despite having a lot of affordable places to live, there are still some cities in Alabama that are more expensive than others. Here are the most expensive cities to live in Alabama, according to data from Numbeo.
Most Expensive Cities to Live in Alabama
1. Orange Beach
- Population: 6,130
- Median Home Price: $729,000
- Cost of Living Index: 112.8
- Median Household Income: $81,295
This vibrant coastal city is known for its high-end resorts and world-class restaurants. And with its white-sand beaches and emerald-green waters, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular tourist destination.
But all of this comes at a price. The cost of living in Orange Beach is significantly higher than in the rest of Alabama. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the state.
Orange Beach is one of the most expensive places to live in Alabama because of its high cost of real estate. The average price for a home in Orange Beach is over $729,000, which is much higher than the average price for a home in other parts of Alabama.
Another reason is that in Orange Beach the cost of food, gas and other necessities are all higher in Orange Beach than they are in other parts of Alabama.
Orange Beach is also a popular tourist destination, which means that there are many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that cater to tourists.
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in Michigan
2. Vestavia Hills
- Population: 34,482
- Median Home Price: $512,521
- Cost of Living Index: 115.8
- Median Household Income: $109,485
The city of Vestavia Hills is located in Jefferson County, Alabama. It is a suburb of Birmingham and has a population of 34,482. The cost of living in Vestavia Hills is high, and it is one of the most expensive cities to live in Alabama.
Some of the reasons for this are the high cost of housing and the high taxes. The median home cost in Vestavia Hills is $512,521, and the median household income is $109,485.
The average property tax rate is 2.4%, and the sales tax rate is 9%. The cost of living index in Vestavia Hills is 107.3, which is higher than the national average of 100.
3. Fairhope
- Population: 22,035
- Median Home Price: $500,000
- Cost of Living Index: 101.3
- Median Household Income: $80,106
Fairhope is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. It is a popular tourist destination on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay.
The population was 22,035 at the 2020 U.S. Census. It is the largest and most expensive city in Baldwin County. Fairhope is also the home of many upscale retirement communities.
The median home price in Fairhope is $500,000, making it the most expensive city in Alabama to live in. The cost of living is also high, with an index of 101.3. However, the city has a low crime rate and good schools.
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in Georgia
4. Homewood
- Population: 25,170
- Median Home Price: $499,500
- Cost of Living Index: 112.5
- Median Household Income: $84,157
Homewood is located in Jefferson County, Alabama. The city has a population of 25,000 and a median home price of $499,500.
Homewood is known for its excellent schools and its close proximity to downtown Birmingham. The city is also home to a number of businesses and industries, making it a great place to live and work.
Homewood is an affluent city with a high quality of life. The cost of living in Homewood is higher than the national average, but the city’s residents enjoy a higher standard of living than most Americans.
5. Gulf Shores
- Population: 460,000
- Median Home Price: $460,000
- Cost of Living Index: 98.8
- Median Household Income: $53,476
Gulf Shores is a city located in Baldwin County, Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 460,000.
It is included in the Mobile Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area. The cost of living in Gulf Shores is high, as it is one of the most expensive cities to live in Alabama.
Some of the contributing factors to this include the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as its popularity as a tourist destination.
The median home price in Gulf Shores is $460,000, and the median rent is $1,795. These prices are significantly higher than the state averages of $142,000 and $884, respectively.
6. Hoover
- Population: 85,386
- Median Home Price: $448,900
- Cost of Living Index: 103.9
- Median Household Income: $92,984
Hoover is one of the most expensive cities to live in Alabama. The cost of living is high, and there are not many jobs in the city.
However, Hoover is located near Birmingham, which is a large city with plenty of job opportunities. The city is also home to the University of Alabama, which is a large university with plenty of students.
Hoover has a lot of amenities, such as restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. If you can afford to live in Hoover, it is definitely a great place to live.
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in Illinois
7. Trussville
- Population: 22,590
- Median Home Price: $402,000
- Cost of Living Index: 101.4
- Median Household Income: $97,226
The cost of living in Trussville is relatively low, and the city has a strong community spirit. There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area, and Trussville also has its own school district.
What makes Trussville so expensive is its proximity to Birmingham. Trussville is a suburb of Birmingham, and as a result, it experiences some of the same effects of being close to a major metropolitan area.
This includes higher prices for housing and other goods and services. The cost of housing in Trussville is on the rise, so it may not be the most affordable option for everyone.
8. Pike Road
- Population: 9,745
- Median Home Price: $367,773
- Cost of Living Index: 102.7
- Median Household Income: $100,865
This town is located in southern Alabama and is known for its friendly people and relaxed atmosphere.
The cost of living here is comparatively lower than in some of the other, more expensive cities in the state, but that doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your quality of life.
There are plenty of activities and amenities available on Pike Road, making it a great place to call home.
The high cost of living in Pike Road is due to a number of factors, including the town’s proximity to Montgomery, its strong economy, and its low crime rate.
Pike Road is also home to some of the most expensive real estate in Alabama, which drives up the cost of living for residents.
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in North Carolina
9. Auburn
- Population: 65,508
- Median Home Price: $360,000
- Cost of Living Index: 102.0
- Median Household Income: $49,028
Auburn is a city in Alabama that is known for its universities and its football team. The cost of living in Auburn is high, as it is one of the most expensive cities to live in the state.
There are many factors that contribute to this, such as the cost of housing and the cost of utilities.
Auburn is also located in a relatively rural area, which can make it difficult to find affordable options for food and other necessities.
Overall, Auburn is a great place to live, but it is important to be aware of the high cost of living before making the move.
10. Tuscaloosa
- Population: 100,633
- Median Home Price: $250,000
- Cost of Living Index: 87.9
- Median Household Income: $45,268
Tuscaloosa is the most expensive city to live in Alabama. It is home to the University of Alabama and has a vibrant economy.
The cost of living in Tuscaloosa is high, but it is worth it to be in such a great city. There are plenty of things to do in Tuscaloosa, and the city is extremely welcoming.
There are a few reasons why Tuscaloosa is so expensive. Firstly, the cost of living is high in Alabama in general.
Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama, which drives up the cost of living. The city has a vibrant economy and is home to many businesses and professionals.
Tuscaloosa is a desirable place to live, which means that housing costs are high. Despite the high cost of living, Tuscaloosa is an excellent place to call home.