Cost of Living in Red Bay, AL
Population 3,213 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Red Bay run well below national norms — a median of $35,587 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $106,000). Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 85 miles west of Huntsville, Red Bay is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Huntsville's $263,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Red Bay
The median home value in Red Bay is $105,500 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $565/month, 57% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,587/year is 52% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, 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%. Overall, Red Bay has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.
Red Bay 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 Red Bay, AL?
Red Bay has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.
What is average rent in Red Bay, AL?
The median gross rent in Red Bay is $565 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Red Bay?
The median home value in Red Bay is $105,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Red Bay?
The median household income in Red Bay is $35,587 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Red Bay, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Red Bay is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Red Bay, AL affordable?
Yes, Red Bay is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.
Red Bay at a Glance
- Population
- 3,213
- Median Income
- $35,587
- Home Value
- $105,500
- Median Rent
- $565/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
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Alabama Rankings
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