Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Alabama's overall cost of living index is about 89.4, roughly 11% below the U.S. average.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 88.8 | 100 |
- •Alabama consistently ranks among the 10 cheapest states to live in the U.S.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Alabama are among the lowest in the nation, with an index near 74.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 61.8 | 100 |
Utility Costs
Utility costs in Alabama are close to the national average despite high air-conditioning demand.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (South region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU030072610).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 84.6 | 100 |
Food Costs
Grocery prices in Alabama run about 5% below the national average.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAF1).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96.4 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Alabama are close to the national average, with an index around 92.
Medical care price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAM).
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Alabama run slightly below the national average, near an index of 92.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Gulf Coast region (PADD 3), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R30_DPG).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $3.91 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |