Cost of Living in Brighton, AL
Population 3,091 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brighton's median household income of $36,219 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 (39% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 15.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 10 miles southwest of Birmingham, Brighton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brighton
The median home value in Brighton is $72,800 — 76% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $668/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,219/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 15.9%, 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, Brighton has a cost of living index of 35 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 65% less expensive.
Brighton 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brighton, AL?
Brighton has a cost index of 35 (100 = national average). It is 65% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brighton, AL?
The median gross rent in Brighton is $668 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brighton?
The median home value in Brighton is $72,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brighton?
The median household income in Brighton is $36,219 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brighton, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brighton is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Brighton, AL affordable?
Yes, Brighton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 35 — about 65% below the US national average of 100.
Brighton at a Glance
- Population
- 3,091
- Median Income
- $36,219
- Home Value
- $72,800
- Median Rent
- $668/mo
- Unemployment
- 15.9%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data