Cost of Living in Elba, AL
Population 3,459 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elba's median household income of $41,310 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 (26% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Elba is about 65 miles south of Montgomery, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Montgomery's $149,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elba
The median home value in Elba is $105,000 — 66% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $671/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,310/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 80.0°F and lows of 57.7°F. Overall, Elba has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.
Elba 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 | 63 | 67 | 75 | 81 | 88 | 92 | 94 | 93 | 90 | 81 | 72 | 64 |
| Low °F | 41 | 44 | 50 | 56 | 63 | 72 | 74 | 74 | 69 | 58 | 48 | 43 |
| Precip" | 5.35 | 4.94 | 5.31 | 4.90 | 4.06 | 5.57 | 6.03 | 5.08 | 4.72 | 3.49 | 4.14 | 5.52 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Elba, AL?
Elba has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.
What is average rent in Elba, AL?
The median gross rent in Elba is $671 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elba?
The median home value in Elba is $105,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elba?
The median household income in Elba is $41,310 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elba, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elba is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Elba, AL affordable?
Yes, Elba is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Elba?
Elba has average high temperatures of 80.0°F and average lows of 57.7°F. Annual precipitation is 59.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Elba at a Glance
- Population
- 3,459
- Median Income
- $41,310
- Home Value
- $105,000
- Median Rent
- $671/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 80.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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