Cost of Living in Alexander City, AL

Population 14,686 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

48
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Alexander City's median household income of $42,367 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (22% here). At 7.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 45 miles northeast of Montgomery, Alexander City falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Montgomery's $149,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 53

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Alexander City

The median home value in Alexander City is $135,900 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $690/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,367/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above 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, Alexander City has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$135,900
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$201,555
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$690/mo
47% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$646
1 BR
$688
2 BR
$857
3 BR
$1,132
4 BR
$1,309
Owner-occupied 62.4%
Renter-occupied 37.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$690
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,304/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.7 min
20% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.7%
Carpooled
9.0%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
0.7%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
3.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 5.2%
Property Tax 0.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$42,367
43% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,272
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
59% above avg
Poverty Rate
21.8%
Labor Force Participation
52.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.6%
Graduate degree 6.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.8
Male median age 43.6
Female median age 40.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Alexander City, AL?

Alexander City has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.

What is average rent in Alexander City, AL?

The median gross rent in Alexander City is $690 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Alexander City?

The median home value in Alexander City is $135,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Alexander City?

The median household income in Alexander City is $42,367 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Alexander City, AL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alexander City is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Alexander City, AL affordable?

Yes, Alexander City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.

Alexander City at a Glance

Population
14,686
Median Income
$42,367
Home Value
$135,900
Median Rent
$690/mo
Unemployment
7.7%
Sales Tax
9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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