Cost of Living in Gadsden, AL
Population 33,617 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Gadsden's median household income of $38,699 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 (28% here). At 8.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 55 miles northeast of Birmingham, Gadsden is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gadsden
The median home value in Gadsden is $101,900 — 67% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $787/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,699/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 69.4°F and lows of 48.6°F. Overall, Gadsden has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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 | 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 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gadsden, AL?
Gadsden has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Gadsden, AL?
The median gross rent in Gadsden is $787 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gadsden?
The median home value in Gadsden is $101,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gadsden?
The median household income in Gadsden is $38,699 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gadsden, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gadsden is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Gadsden, AL affordable?
Yes, Gadsden is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Gadsden?
Gadsden 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.
Gadsden at a Glance
- Population
- 33,617
- Median Income
- $38,699
- Home Value
- $101,900
- Median Rent
- $787/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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