Cost of Living in Southside, AL
Population 9,407 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Southside can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $203,000 against $73,695 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Geographically, Southside is about 50 miles northeast of Birmingham, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 46% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Southside
The median home value in Southside is $202,900 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,131/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,695/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Southside has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.
Southside 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Southside, AL?
Southside has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Southside, AL?
The median gross rent in Southside is $1,131 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Southside?
The median home value in Southside is $202,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Southside?
The median household income in Southside is $73,695 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Southside, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Southside is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Southside, AL affordable?
Yes, Southside is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
Southside at a Glance
- Population
- 9,407
- Median Income
- $73,695
- Home Value
- $202,900
- Median Rent
- $1,131/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs