Cost of Living in Alabaster, AL
Population 33,633 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Alabaster cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $243,000, rents near $1,375 a month.
Alabaster sits roughly 20 miles south of Birmingham — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 75% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alabaster
The median home value in Alabaster is $242,600 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,375/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,163/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Alabaster has a cost of living index of 90 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alabaster, AL?
Alabaster has a cost index of 90 (100 = national average). It is 10% below the national average.
What is average rent in Alabaster, AL?
The median gross rent in Alabaster is $1,375 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alabaster?
The median home value in Alabaster is $242,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Alabaster?
The median household income in Alabaster is $90,163 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alabaster, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alabaster is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Alabaster, AL affordable?
Alabaster is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 90 (100 = US average).
Alabaster at a Glance
- Population
- 33,633
- Median Income
- $90,163
- Home Value
- $242,600
- Median Rent
- $1,375/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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