Cost of Living in Centre, AL
Population 3,664 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The median resident in Centre is 55 years old, well past the national midpoint, giving the city the retail and service mix of a retirement-dominant market. Household-income figures here read differently than in working-age cities: retirement and investment income weigh heavily in the totals.
Located 70 miles southwest of Chattanooga, Centre is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Chattanooga's $259,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Centre
The median home value in Centre is $166,300 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $666/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,912/year is 41% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 69.4°F and lows of 48.6°F. Overall, Centre has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
Centre 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50 | 54 | 61 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 81 | 71 | 61 | 52 |
| Low °F | 31 | 34 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 63 | 67 | 66 | 59 | 48 | 38 | 34 |
| Precip" | 5.47 | 4.95 | 5.55 | 5.18 | 4.26 | 4.82 | 4.22 | 3.93 | 4.48 | 3.88 | 4.76 | 6.13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Centre, AL?
Centre has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Centre, AL?
The median gross rent in Centre is $666 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Centre?
The median home value in Centre is $166,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Centre?
The median household income in Centre is $43,912 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Centre, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Centre is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Centre, AL affordable?
Yes, Centre is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Centre?
Centre has average high temperatures of 69.4°F and average lows of 48.6°F. Annual precipitation is 57.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Centre at a Glance
- Population
- 3,664
- Median Income
- $43,912
- Home Value
- $166,300
- Median Rent
- $666/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
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Alabama Rankings
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