Cost of Living in Phenix City, AL
Population 38,477 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Phenix City lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $160,000 — 48% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Alabama. Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Phenix City sits roughly 10 miles west of Columbus — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Columbus' $182,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Phenix City
The median home value in Phenix City is $160,000 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $926/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,715/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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%. Overall, Phenix City has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Phenix City, AL?
Phenix City has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Phenix City, AL?
The median gross rent in Phenix City is $926 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Phenix City?
The median home value in Phenix City is $160,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Phenix City?
The median household income in Phenix City is $49,715 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Phenix City, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Phenix City is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Phenix City, AL affordable?
Yes, Phenix City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
Phenix City at a Glance
- Population
- 38,477
- Median Income
- $49,715
- Home Value
- $160,000
- Median Rent
- $926/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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