Cost of Living in Muscle Shoals, AL
Population 16,670 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Muscle Shoals offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $198,000 — costs less than 2.8 times median household income of $70,927, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 2.4% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 55 miles west of Huntsville, Muscle Shoals is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Huntsville's $263,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Muscle Shoals
The median home value in Muscle Shoals is $198,300 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $939/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,927/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.4%, 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, Muscle Shoals has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Muscle Shoals, AL?
Muscle Shoals has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Muscle Shoals, AL?
The median gross rent in Muscle Shoals is $939 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Muscle Shoals?
The median home value in Muscle Shoals is $198,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Muscle Shoals?
The median household income in Muscle Shoals is $70,927 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Muscle Shoals, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Muscle Shoals is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Muscle Shoals, AL affordable?
Yes, Muscle Shoals is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
Muscle Shoals at a Glance
- Population
- 16,670
- Median Income
- $70,927
- Home Value
- $198,300
- Median Rent
- $939/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.4%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Alabama Rankings
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