Cost of Living in Helena, AL
Population 21,452 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Helena a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $293,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Helena sits roughly 15 miles south of Birmingham — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 111% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Helena
The median home value in Helena is $292,700 — 4% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,420/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,590/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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, Helena has a cost of living index of 101 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% more 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 Helena, AL?
Helena has a cost index of 101 (100 = national average). It is 1% above the national average.
What is average rent in Helena, AL?
The median gross rent in Helena is $1,420 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Helena?
The median home value in Helena is $292,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Helena?
The median household income in Helena is $109,590 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Helena, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Helena is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Helena, AL affordable?
Helena is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 101 (100 = US average).
Helena at a Glance
- Population
- 21,452
- Median Income
- $109,590
- Home Value
- $292,700
- Median Rent
- $1,420/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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