Cost of Living in Arab, AL
Population 8,573 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Arab sits on the smaller end of the Alabama city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Arab is about 25 miles southeast of Huntsville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Huntsville's $263,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Arab
The median home value in Arab is $196,700 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $697/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,985/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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, Arab has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
Arab has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Arab, AL?
Arab has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Arab, AL?
The median gross rent in Arab is $697 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Arab?
The median home value in Arab is $196,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Arab?
The median household income in Arab is $60,985 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Arab, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Arab is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Arab, AL affordable?
Yes, Arab is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
Arab at a Glance
- Population
- 8,573
- Median Income
- $60,985
- Home Value
- $196,700
- Median Rent
- $697/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
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Alabama Rankings
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