Cost of Living in Calera, AL
Population 17,188 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Calera stay well under national norms: a median home value of $214,000 against median household incomes of $82,441 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Alabama. An unemployment rate of 1.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Calera is about 30 miles south of Birmingham, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 55% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Calera
The median home value in Calera is $214,200 — 30% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,505/month, 15% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,441/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.0%, 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, Calera has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% 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 Calera, AL?
Calera has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Calera, AL?
The median gross rent in Calera is $1,505 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Calera?
The median home value in Calera is $214,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Calera?
The median household income in Calera is $82,441 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Calera, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Calera is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Calera, AL affordable?
Yes, Calera is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
Calera at a Glance
- Population
- 17,188
- Median Income
- $82,441
- Home Value
- $214,200
- Median Rent
- $1,505/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.0%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
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Alabama Rankings
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