Cost of Living in Semmes, AL

Population 5,404 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023

69
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Semmes offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $211,000 — costs less than 3.2 times median household income of $66,458, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.

Semmes sits roughly 12 miles northwest of Mobile — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Mobile's $170,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 69
Rent 68

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

About the Cost of Living in Semmes

The median home value in Semmes is $211,100 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $898/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,458/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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, Semmes has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$211,100
31% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$237,547
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$898/mo
32% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.6x
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 74.0%
Renter-occupied 25.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$898
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,512/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
28.0 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.8%
Carpooled
10.1%
Walked
1.9%
Work from home
12.1%

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
$66,458
11% below avg
Per Capita Income
$42,793
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
31% below avg
Poverty Rate
15.6%
Labor Force Participation
55.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.2%
Graduate degree 8.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.8
Male median age 42.1
Female median age 46.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
56.2%
Good air days/yr
108
Max AQI recorded
257
PM2.5 days
96
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Semmes, AL?

Semmes has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.

What is average rent in Semmes, AL?

The median gross rent in Semmes is $898 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Semmes?

The median home value in Semmes is $211,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Semmes?

The median household income in Semmes is $66,458 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Semmes, AL?

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

Is Semmes, AL affordable?

Yes, Semmes is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.

Semmes at a Glance

Population
5,404
Median Income
$66,458
Home Value
$211,100
Median Rent
$898/mo
Unemployment
3.3%
Sales Tax
9.2%
View all cities in Alabama →
🗺️ County data for Alabama

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs