Cost of Living in Anniston, AL
Population 21,377 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $44,806, median household incomes in Anniston land roughly 40% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 20% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Anniston is about 60 miles east of Birmingham, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Birmingham's $139,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Anniston
The median home value in Anniston is $141,600 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $777/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,806/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 74.0°F and lows of 52.2°F. Overall, Anniston has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 59 | 67 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 76 | 65 | 57 |
| Low °F | 34 | 37 | 44 | 51 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 64 | 52 | 41 | 37 |
| Precip" | 4.84 | 5.08 | 5.37 | 4.43 | 4.35 | 4.37 | 4.68 | 3.51 | 3.11 | 3.25 | 4.53 | 4.60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Anniston, AL?
Anniston has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Anniston, AL?
The median gross rent in Anniston is $777 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Anniston?
The median home value in Anniston is $141,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Anniston?
The median household income in Anniston is $44,806 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Anniston, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Anniston is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Anniston, AL affordable?
Yes, Anniston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Anniston?
Anniston has average high temperatures of 74.0°F and average lows of 52.2°F. Annual precipitation is 52.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Anniston at a Glance
- Population
- 21,377
- Median Income
- $44,806
- Home Value
- $141,600
- Median Rent
- $777/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs