Cost of Living in Oxford, AL
Population 22,063 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Oxford can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $165,000 against $70,065 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Oxford is about 55 miles east of Birmingham, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oxford
The median home value in Oxford is $164,700 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $882/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,065/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 74.0°F and lows of 52.2°F. Overall, Oxford has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% 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 | 55 | 59 | 67 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 76 | 65 | 57 |
| Low °F | 34 | 37 | 44 | 51 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 64 | 52 | 41 | 37 |
| Precip" | 4.84 | 5.08 | 5.37 | 4.43 | 4.35 | 4.37 | 4.68 | 3.51 | 3.11 | 3.25 | 4.53 | 4.60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Oxford, AL?
Oxford has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Oxford, AL?
The median gross rent in Oxford is $882 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oxford?
The median home value in Oxford is $164,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oxford?
The median household income in Oxford is $70,065 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oxford, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oxford is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Oxford, AL affordable?
Yes, Oxford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Oxford?
Oxford has average high temperatures of 74.0°F and average lows of 52.2°F. Annual precipitation is 52.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Oxford at a Glance
- Population
- 22,063
- Median Income
- $70,065
- Home Value
- $164,700
- Median Rent
- $882/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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