When it comes to living in Alabama, the benefits are plenty. Alabama is known for its beaches, sweet tea, and low cost of living. Many of Alabama’s cities, including Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville, offer world-class amenities. Whether you’re looking for an apartment or house to rent, you’ll find many different options in this state. Let’s break down how much it’ll cost you to live in Alabama.
What is the cost of living in Alabama?
Living in Alabama is generally less expensive when compared to other states in the U.S., around 13% less, which is the third-lowest cost of living in the country. The downtown city areas tend to cost more money, while rural areas are more affordable but have fewer activities and amenities. On a scale where 100 is the average cost of living in the United States, Alabama is rated 82.3 by BestPlaces.net, making it affordable to live. In particular, the housing in Alabama is actually at 55.9, so it’s a great place to move to if you are on a budget or working to improve your credit score.
What cities are most affordable in Alabama?
Although Mobile is more expensive than Birmingham, the cost of living is still substantially lower than the rest of the United States. Birmingham is about 10% less than Mobile. Alabama offers many wonderful cities such as Decatur, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, and Auburn. Many of these are college towns, where expenses, housing costs, and utilities are less expensive. The opportunities and culture make Alabama a great choice for anyone of any age in the U.S.
How expensive is an apartment in Alabama?
If you share an apartment with roommates, the costs go down substantially. However, since it’s already so affordable in Alabama, you might not need to share. If you’re on a tight budget, consider renting an apartment in a town like Lincoln, Tuscumbia, or Russellville. Other affordable cities include Roanoke, Attalla, and Hamilton. The cost of the tasty Southern food is below average and many great citrus fruits and summer vegetables may be grown year-round, which is another way to lower the costs if you start your own balcony garden. Generally, the rates in Alabama range from $590 for a studio, up to $1,191 for a four-bedroom house. However, a typical renter in Alabama will pay $772 a month. Read more about rent prices in Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Auburn, Alabama before you make your move.
How do I find cheap apartments in Alabama?
For the best possible affordable rates in Alabama, use an online marketplace to find apartment options and filter by cost, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, and other possible preferences. For example, you can curate your findings to show apartments that allow pets, units with air conditioning, and even look based on the neighborhood or city that you are most interested in. A studio apartment in Alabama costs around $590, while in the rest of the United States a studio apartment easily costs almost double at $821.
Look at your budget for the year, evaluate the amenities you and your family require, and visit a few cities and neighborhoods before signing a lease. Also, take the time to read the lease to ensure you have all the required funds — often a property management company needs your first month’s rent and security deposit prior to handing you your keys. Simply keep in mind the utility costs and what your commute might look like so you don’t exceed your budget.
What is the cheapest rent in Alabama?
For the cheapest rent, you might consider looking at smaller cities, but those areas tend to have higher costs for utilities and transportation. When looking at Mobile or Birmingham, even though rents are a little higher, the amenities offer huge benefits and may allow you to walk or bike to work or drive just a short way to the office. Plus, the sheer number of cultural and art events in the cities makes the experience worthwhile and often free events take place regularly in these larger towns. The cheapest rent in Alabama is usually found in the rural areas, but bigger cities have decent prices, too. Just outside of Montgomery, for example, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for around $500/month.
What do utilities cost in Alabama?
The milder winters make the hot summers worth it, but no apartment in Alabama is complete without air conditioning, which could increase the cost of living. The average utility bill in Alabama tends to be close to $100 a month, which is on par with the national average, but considering the low cost of rent, a high electricity bill in the summer months becomes far more manageable. If a high electric bill is of concern, you can look for apartments with swamp coolers, ceiling fans, and lots of windows, ideally in shaded areas or close to the beach waves. What you’ll save on housing is nearly impossible to find anywhere else.
What is a fair rent price in Alabama?
An Alabama cost-of-living comparison should be very appealing to a prospective renter. Newer buildings and urban apartment complexes will run higher rents, but still nothing like cities in New York or Chicago. The typical renter in Alabama spends $772 a month on housing, $251 less than the $1,023 national median monthly rent. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom rental in the state is $600, while the typical rent for a unit with five bedrooms is $1,130.
What are the best free activities in Alabama?
Due to the warm weather, outdoor activities are a must when living in Alabama. Hiking, camping, kayaking, and biking are all very popular with those who live in this Southern state. Other fun free activities include visiting the Wharf Marina, lounging at Orange Beach, and visiting the historic Foley Railroad Museum. The many popular beaches like Gulf Shores and Bon Secour provide endless opportunities for you to relax and read a book or swim with friends.
Whether you choose the college town of Auburn or the big city amenities of Birmingham, you’ll find endless summer, affordable housing options, and charming Southern hospitality.
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