Cost of Living in Margaret, AL
Population 5,538 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Margaret stay well under national norms: a median home value of $225,000 against median household incomes of $97,075 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Alabama. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 20 miles northeast of Birmingham, Margaret falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 62% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Margaret
The median home value in Margaret is $224,700 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $881/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,075/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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%. Overall, Margaret has a cost of living index of 71 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% less expensive.
Margaret 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Margaret, AL?
Margaret has a cost index of 71 (100 = national average). It is 29% below the national average.
What is average rent in Margaret, AL?
The median gross rent in Margaret is $881 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Margaret?
The median home value in Margaret is $224,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Margaret?
The median household income in Margaret is $97,075 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Margaret, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Margaret is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Margaret, AL affordable?
Yes, Margaret is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 71 — about 29% below the US national average of 100.
Margaret at a Glance
- Population
- 5,538
- Median Income
- $97,075
- Home Value
- $224,700
- Median Rent
- $881/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
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Alabama Rankings
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