Cost of Living in Dothan, AL
Population 71,118 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Dothan's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $55,052 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Located 85 miles northwest of Tallahassee, Dothan is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Tallahassee's $276,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dothan
The median home value in Dothan is $186,600 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $912/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,052/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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 79.0°F and lows of 56.7°F. Overall, Dothan has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% 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 | 62 | 66 | 73 | 79 | 87 | 91 | 93 | 92 | 88 | 81 | 71 | 64 |
| Low °F | 40 | 43 | 49 | 55 | 64 | 71 | 73 | 72 | 67 | 57 | 47 | 42 |
| Precip" | 4.76 | 4.82 | 4.72 | 4.79 | 2.92 | 5.08 | 5.95 | 6.17 | 3.27 | 2.70 | 3.91 | 4.76 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dothan, AL?
Dothan has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dothan, AL?
The median gross rent in Dothan is $912 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dothan?
The median home value in Dothan is $186,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dothan?
The median household income in Dothan is $55,052 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dothan, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dothan is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Dothan, AL affordable?
Yes, Dothan is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Dothan?
Dothan has average high temperatures of 79.0°F and average lows of 56.7°F. Annual precipitation is 53.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dothan at a Glance
- Population
- 71,118
- Median Income
- $55,052
- Home Value
- $186,600
- Median Rent
- $912/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 79.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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