Cost of Living in Sheffield, AL
Population 9,334 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $42,097, median household incomes in Sheffield land roughly 44% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 26% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Sheffield is about 60 miles west of Huntsville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 52% lower than Huntsville's $263,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sheffield
The median home value in Sheffield is $127,100 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $850/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,097/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, 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, Sheffield has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
Sheffield 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 Sheffield, AL?
Sheffield has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sheffield, AL?
The median gross rent in Sheffield is $850 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sheffield?
The median home value in Sheffield is $127,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sheffield?
The median household income in Sheffield is $42,097 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sheffield, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sheffield is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Sheffield, AL affordable?
Yes, Sheffield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
Sheffield at a Glance
- Population
- 9,334
- Median Income
- $42,097
- Home Value
- $127,100
- Median Rent
- $850/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
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Alabama Rankings
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