Cost of Living in Roanoke, AL

Population 5,332 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

43
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Roanoke run well below national norms — a median of $48,083 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $129,000). An unemployment rate of 2.8% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Roanoke is about 50 miles northwest of Columbus, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Columbus' $182,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 42
Rent 45

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Roanoke

The median home value in Roanoke is $129,100 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $589/month, 55% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,083/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, 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, Roanoke has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$129,100
58% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$144,898
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$589/mo
55% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$646
1 BR
$688
2 BR
$857
3 BR
$1,132
4 BR
$1,309
Owner-occupied 68.5%
Renter-occupied 31.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$589
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,203/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.5 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.7%
Carpooled
11.3%
Work from home
3.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 9.2%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 5.2%
Property Tax 0.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$48,083
36% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,900
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
42% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Labor Force Participation
55.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.1%
Graduate degree 6.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.4
Male median age 39.3
Female median age 48.4

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Roanoke, AL?

Roanoke has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.

What is average rent in Roanoke, AL?

The median gross rent in Roanoke is $589 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Roanoke?

The median home value in Roanoke is $129,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Roanoke?

The median household income in Roanoke is $48,083 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Roanoke, AL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Roanoke is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Roanoke, AL affordable?

Yes, Roanoke is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.

Roanoke at a Glance

Population
5,332
Median Income
$48,083
Home Value
$129,100
Median Rent
$589/mo
Unemployment
2.8%
Sales Tax
9.2%
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