Looking for the most value for your money? Living in Alabama is inexpensive because of the state’s beaches, rich history, and low cost of living.
Alabama offers something for everyone, from the country’s biggest space museum to a booming restaurant scene.
So if you want to live a healthy life on a budget, I’ve compiled a list of the cheapest cities to live in Alabama.
1. Gadsen
In the list of the cheapest cities to live in Alabama – Gadsen comes at the top. Gadsden, which is situated along the Coosa River, has animal parks, waterside hiking paths, and Noccalula Falls. People like to play golf at the nearby course, visit the Gadsden Museum of Art, and go shopping at the nearby mall farther into the city. The average property tax of this city is $316 and the median household income is $32,642.
2. Attalla
Attalla will be the second-cheapest city to live in Alabama in 2022. Attalla is the one that is situated the closest to an airport. With an overall cost of living far below the national and state averages, Attalla ranks third in the state for least expensive places to buy a property in relation to median income.
3. Brewton
Escambia County, Alabama, contains the city of Brewton. It is the third-cheapest city to live in Alabama. There were 5,408 residents there as of the 2010 Census. The city serves as Escambia County’s county seat. North of the Florida Panhandle in south central Alabama is where you’ll find Brewton. One of the top 100 little towns in America, according to voters, is Brewton. Its income-to-rent ratio is 79.5x.
Check out our list of the most populated cities in Alabama.
4. Bessemer
Birmingham’s capital city is just southwest of the prosperous suburb of Bessemer. Since it’s dubbed “The Marvel City,” be ready to be astounded by nearby landmarks like the Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure, the Autobahn Indoor Speedway, and stunning landscapes like the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge.
Bessemer has developed its own identity in recent years, welcoming an expansion of industry and employment possibilities.
5. Birmingham
One of the well-known and cheapest cities to live in Alabama is Birmingham. Birmingham is brimming with things to do. Spend your days at the nearby racecourse and gaming zone, the Birmingham Zoo, or the Birmingham Museum of Art. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a great place to learn about the events and the fight for justice that happened in Birmingham during the civil rights movement.
6. Valley
Valley is located on the Chattahoochee River, just across the Georgia state line. Residents now have access to a wealth of beautiful outdoor activities at West Point Lake. Valley, which has a population of 9,195, is located in a sparsely populated area of the state.
This small-town, rustic charm contributes to the community’s ability to control costs. Only $50,445 is the region’s median annual income. However, those bucks are quite useful. While the median rent is roughly $821 per month, the median house value is an inexpensive $91,300. The general cost of living is only a little over 80% of the national median, though.
Also take a look at the cost of living in Alabama.
7. Hamilton
Many people know Hamilton for being the hometown of former Minnesota Vikings lineman Bookie Bolin, but according to HomeSnacks, this city of 6,662 people in Marion County ranks sixth in Alabama for affordability. Hamilton has a median household income of $38,613 and a median home value of $101,400, so I am pretty sure everyone can all agree that this is a victory for Hamilton.
8. Satsuma
The eighth-cheapest city to live in Alabama, Satsuma is located in Mobile County. 5,687 people were counted in the population in 2000. The Satsuma orange, a gift from Japanese Emperor Meiji, was successfully cultivated and grown in Alabama starting in 1878. Prior to 1915, the city was known as Fig Tree Island. The Mobile metropolitan statistical region includes Satsuma.
9. Fairfield
A little town called Fairfield may be found close to Birmingham. Enjoy a wide range of eateries and stores, including those found in Western Hills Mall. Other wonderful features in Fairfield include a community center, a nearby college, and parks. The home price to income ratio of this city is 2.44, the average property tax is $654, and the median household income is $40,652.
10. Anniston
Beautiful mountain vistas are available from Anniston because it is nestled among the Appalachian Mountain foothills. In the city, there are several hiking and biking paths that lead to the mountains and great spots to camp as you climb the slopes. The Freedom Riders National Monument and the Anniston Museum of Natural History are two additional sights you should see.
11. Sylacauga
The bedrock in this small settlement is made of white marble, and residents even have an annual festival called “Magic of Marble” to honor it. In Sylacauga, there are always places to enjoy amusement, including restaurants, country clubs, and art galleries. The home price to income ratio of this city is 3.59, the average property tax is $342, and the median household income is $36,608.
12. Selma
The city of Selma is steeped in history. Selma was at the center of the struggle from the Civil War to the fight for civil rights; to understand more about the struggle for racial equality, take a stroll around the Old Town Historic District or pay a visit to the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. Visit Riverside Park for beautiful outdoor vistas and historical Selma battle reenactments.
13. Center Point
Located in Birmingham’s northeast is the suburb of Center Point. Retirement residents can take advantage of easy living away from the hustle and bustle of the big metropolis in Center Point, which is home to about 16,000 people. Restaurants, schools, and places of worship are all available here, along with all the other metropolitan conveniences you could ask for.
14. Ozark
Southeast Alabama is where Ozark is situated, around an hour’s drive from the Florida border. On humid summer days, you may cool off by fishing in Ed Lisenby Lake or taking a bike trip along the nearby trails.
Ozark has much to offer everyone, whether you like to swing clubs at the Ozark Golf Course or gaze at the newest artwork at the Rudd Art Center. The home price to income ratio of this city is 2.82, the average property tax is $416, and the median household income is $41,027.
15. Lincoln
If you decide to live in Lincoln, Alabama another cheap city, you won’t have to give up style for affordability. In actuality, you won’t need to make any sacrifices. According to the ratio of home price to income, Lincoln is the 11th best place to buy a home. The less you have to spend on your property, the more money you will have for the enjoyable local attractions.
Everywhere you look, prices are rising dramatically. The cost of living is a crucial factor when deciding where to relocate to. Despite the general upward trend in living costs, these Alabama cities remain very inexpensive.