 

{"id":460745,"date":"2026-06-02T04:53:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T08:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/?p=460745"},"modified":"2026-06-02T04:53:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T08:53:25","slug":"cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Alabama in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Want Alabama&#8217;s Gulf Coast lifestyle without Mountain Brook&#8217;s high prices? Don&#8217;t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in the Cotton State if you know where to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Gadsden or a <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/montgomery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">starter home in Montgomery<\/a>, Alabama&#8217;s government and military hub. If you&#8217;re retiring, look at <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/dothan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Dothan<\/a> to enjoy a low-cost coastal lifestyle, with median home prices under $238,250<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After assessing hundreds of cities, we&#8217;ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in Alabama to help you find a home that fits your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">\ud83c\udfe0 What is Houzeo?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Houzeo is America&#8217;s best home buying and selling platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Home Sellers:<\/strong> List your home for a Flat Fee, and save 2.5% to 5.5% on the listing agent commission! That&#8217;s thousands of dollars extra in your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Home Buyers:<\/strong> Houzeo has the most number of <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">houses for sale in Alabama<\/a>. Start your dream home search now!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">\ud83d\udcf1 Does Houzeo have a mobile app?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Yes! You can list your home for sale or search millions of homes on the Houzeo mobile app!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Download now on the <a     href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/id1576836461\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Apple App Store<\/a> or the <a     href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.houzeo.houzeo&#038;pli=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Google Play Store<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div  class=\"hfsWidget \" data-widget-title=\"Find homes in Alabama that fit your budget\ud83c\udf3e\" data-widget-list-item1=\"1st item\" data-widget-list-item2=\"2nd item\" data-widget-list-item3=\"3rd item\" data-widget-type=\"buyer1\" data-widget-vendor-type=\"inspector\" data-widget-state=\"al\" data-widget-city=\"\" data-widget-redirect-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" data-widget-redirect-text=\"Cheap houses for sale in Alabama\" data-widget-button-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\" data-widget-button-text=\"\" data-widget-min-price=\"0\" data-widget-max-price=\"0\" data-widget-min-area=\"0\" data-widget-max-area=\"0\" data-widget-sidebar=\"false\">\n        <div class=\"widgetMainBox mainBox456\">\n        <div class=\"widgetBox widgetBox3 buyer-one\">\n            <div class=\"widgetTop\" style=\"display: flex;\">\n                <div class=\"widgetTopcont\">\n                    <div class=\"homePageQuickListing -page homepage widgetInBox3 hfs_new_design_widget\">\n                      <div class=\"HeaderTopSidebar\"> \n                        <p class=\"headerStyle\">Find homes in Alabama that fit your budget\ud83c\udf3e<\/p>\n                                                                         <div class=\"widgetList skeleton skeleton-text\">\n                            <p>View 22,795 homes for sale in <span\n                            class=\"propertyStateSpan\">AL<\/span><\/p>                            \n                        <\/div>\n                                                                      <\/div>  \n                        <div class=\"verifyFieldForm addInput\">\n                            <div class=\"inputSearchBox\">\n                                <div class=\"inputBoxElement addressBar\">\n                                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"ITBTtRE\" id=\"buyerAutocomplete\"\n                                        placeholder=\"Enter an address, city, neighborhood, or ZIP\"\n                                        class=\"pac-target-input buyerAutocomplete\" autocomplete=\"off\">\n                                <\/div>\n                                <span class=\"errorStreetMsg errorMsg\">Please enter valid address<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n                            \n                            <div class=\"inputSubmitBox\">\n                                                                <button id=\"buyerBtnBox456\" class=\"continueCta storeAddress next_btn buyerBtnBox\">Search\n                                    <span class=\"arrowContinue\"><\/span><\/button>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"widgetInsideBox\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyBoxNew\" id=\"propertyContainer\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyInnerBox\">   \n                 \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/16985-state-hwy-104-silverhill-al-36576\/hzid_2931c0fb\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/76\/BCARM79b6c96805100e31eafa1d5c3fd7836a\/1_79b6c96805100e31eafa1d5c3fd7836a-m1_ec7ccd2127_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/baldwin-mls-al-logo_1724249150-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$450,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t16985 state hwy 104, <br\/>silverhill, AL 36576\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Terryl Reeves | Bellator Real Estate, LLC Fair <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: Baldwin County AOR MLS-AL | MLS#: 397682<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/23-25-crestwood-ct-millbrook-al-36054\/hzid_72b49ef0\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/67\/MAARM1148806810\/1_2004702295541_066739a4f1_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MontgomeryAORMLSLogo-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$272,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t23,25 crestwood ct, <br\/>millbrook, AL 36054\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Sullivan N. Schroeder | Riverview Real Estate <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS MLS-AL | MLS#: 582191<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew fullWidthCard \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" class=\"widgetanctextfind widgetancTextForAll\" target=\"_blank\">Cheap houses for sale in Alabama<span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/houzeo-media-1.s3.amazonaws.com\/homes-for-sale\/blue-arrow.svg\" alt=\"arrow\" width=\"11\" height=\"10\"><\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                   <\/div>   \n               \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n       \n    <\/div>\n\t<script>\n    document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() {        \n        if (!window.assetsLoaded) {\n            window.assetsLoaded = true;\n            var version = (typeof customData !== 'undefined' && customData.customVersion) ? customData.customVersion : '1.0';\n            loadScript('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/js\/hfs-widget.js?version=' + version);\n            loadCSS('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/css\/hfs-widget.css?version=' + version);\n        }    \n    });\n\t\t\n\t<\/script>\n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-takeaways-list takeawaysSec\"><p class=\"headKeySec\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"listing\"><li><strong>Selma is the most affordable<\/strong> <strong>city:<\/strong> Selma&#8217;s cost of living is 5% lower than the state average.\u200b With a median home price of $119,000, it is the cheapest place to live in Alabama. <\/li><li><strong>Birmingham is the best city for young professionals:\u00a0<\/strong>With tech and finance driving the economy, Birmingham is a prime spot to build a career.<\/li><li><strong>For families, Gadsden is a great choice: <\/strong>With top-notch schools, safe neighborhoods, and active outdoor life, Gadsden is an ideal place to raise a family on a budget.<\/li><li><strong>Retirees should consider Decatur:<\/strong>\u00a0Retirees can enjoy a relaxed lakeside lifestyle, with homes selling at a median price of $223,247. <\/li><li><strong>Don&#8217;t forget Alabama&#8217;s &#8220;vehicle premium&#8221;:<\/strong> Full-coverage car insurance averages $2,148 annually, 21% higher than the national average. <\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cheap-places-to-live-in-al\"><strong>Most Affordable Places to Live in Alabama<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"footable_parent_461631\"\n         class=\" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui \">\n                <table data-ninja_table_instance=\"ninja_table_instance_0\" data-footable_id=\"461631\" data-filter-delay=\"1000\" aria-label=\"Cheapest Cities in Alabama\"            id=\"footable_461631\"\n           data-unique_identifier=\"ninja_table_unique_id_439528554_461631\"\n           class=\" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_461631 ninja_table_unique_id_439528554_461631 ui table  nt_type_legacy_table selectable celled striped compact vertical_centered  footable-paging-center ninja_table_search_disabled ninja_table_pro\">\n                <colgroup>\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_0 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_1 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_2 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_3 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_4 \">\n                    <\/colgroup>\n        <thead>\n<tr class=\"footable-header\">\n                                                                                        <th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_city \">City<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_average_household_income \">Median Home Value<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_safety_rank \">Median House Rent<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_3 ninja_clmn_nm_median_home_value \">Cost of Living Compared to State Average<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_4 ninja_clmn_nm_population \">Affordability Score (Out of 10)<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n\n        <tr data-row_id=\"15813\" class=\"ninja_table_row_0 nt_row_id_15813\">\n            <td>1. <a href=\"#selma\">Selma<\/a><\/td><td>$119,000<\/td><td>$784<\/td><td>5% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.3<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15809\" class=\"ninja_table_row_1 nt_row_id_15809\">\n            <td>2. <a href=\"#gadsden\">Gadsden<\/a><\/td><td>$132,500<\/td><td> $850<\/td><td>3%  \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.2<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15810\" class=\"ninja_table_row_2 nt_row_id_15810\">\n            <td>3. <a href=\"#anniston\">Anniston<\/a><\/td><td> $172,000<\/td><td>$850<\/td><td>4% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.9<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15811\" class=\"ninja_table_row_3 nt_row_id_15811\">\n            <td>4. <a href=\"#talladega\">Talladega<\/a><\/td><td>$188,750<\/td><td>$1,000<\/td><td>10% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.5<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15814\" class=\"ninja_table_row_4 nt_row_id_15814\">\n            <td>5. <a href=\"#birmingham\">Birmingham<\/a><\/td><td>$160,000<\/td><td> $1,150<\/td><td>4% \u2b06\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.3<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15815\" class=\"ninja_table_row_5 nt_row_id_15815\">\n            <td>6. <a href=\"#bessemer\">Bessemer<\/a><\/td><td> $187,500<\/td><td> $1,036<\/td><td>2% \u2b06\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.2<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15812\" class=\"ninja_table_row_6 nt_row_id_15812\">\n            <td>7. <a href=\"#attalla\">Attalla<\/a><\/td><td>$197,000<\/td><td> $1,050<\/td><td>6% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.2<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16949\" class=\"ninja_table_row_7 nt_row_id_16949\">\n            <td>8. <a href=\"#montgomery\">Montgomery<\/a><\/td><td>$190,000<\/td><td>$1,295<\/td><td>2% \u2b06\ufe0f<\/td><td>6.6<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16950\" class=\"ninja_table_row_8 nt_row_id_16950\">\n            <td>9. <a href=\"#dothan\">Dothan<\/a><\/td><td> $238,250<\/td><td> $1,125<\/td><td>1% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>6.4<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16951\" class=\"ninja_table_row_9 nt_row_id_16951\">\n            <td>10. <a href=\"#tuscaloosa\">Tuscaloosa<\/a><\/td><td>$354,000<\/td><td>$1,125<\/td><td>1% \u2b06\ufe0f<\/td><td>3.9<\/td>        <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody><!--ninja_tobody_rendering_done-->\n    <\/table>\n    \n    \n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-28\" id=\"alabama-cost-of-living\"><strong>How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in Alabama<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To identify the cheap places to live in Alabama, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\"><strong>Data Sources:<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Median Home Prices:<\/strong> We used Houzeo&#8217;s <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/housing-market\/alabama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alabama Housing Market<\/a> report and double-checked the numbers with the data from <a     href=\"https:\/\/acre.culverhouse.ua.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE)<\/a> at the University of Alabama.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong style=\"color: initial;\">Median Rent:<\/strong><span style=\"color: initial;\"> We got the rent data from <\/span><a     href=\"https:\/\/www.c2er.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">C2ER<\/a><span style=\"color: initial;\">, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it&#8217;s accurate.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall Cost of Living:<\/strong> We covered 6 big spending categories\u2014 housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods\u2014 from C2ER. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city&#8217;s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\"><strong>Affordability Scoring: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Median Home Price (40%)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Median Rent (35%)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost of Living (25%)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This way, we can clearly show which Alabama cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cptl-algorithm-alabama.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">score breakdown<\/a> to see how each city was ranked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Image credits: All blog images are sourced from <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Freepik<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-28\"><strong>10 Cheapest Places to Live in Alabama<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"selma\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#1<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Selma<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $119,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $784<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of living:<\/strong> 5% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Selma.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Selma, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.3<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Selma is the cheapest city to live in Alabama. The city sits along the Alabama River and contains the state&#8217;s largest contiguous historic district. Affordable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/selma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">homes for sale in Selma<\/a> offer residents proximity to civil rights landmarks like the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Brown Chapel AME Church.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Old Town Historic District:<\/strong> This neighborhood encompasses Alabama&#8217;s largest historic district. Residents live near the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum, Sturdivant Hall, the First Baptist Church, and Selma Interpretive Center.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Riverview Historic District:<\/strong> An 86-acre National Register neighborhood along Selma Avenue. The area sits near the Alabama River with proximity to Valley Creek Park.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Selma West:<\/strong> A primarily residential area providing affordable housing options with convenient access to Cedar Park and Meadowview Elementary School.\u00a0\u00a0This neighborhood offers proximity to Wallace Community College Selma for workforce training and education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Selma&#8217;s economy centers on healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Vaughan Regional Medical Center employs over 600 people as the city&#8217;s largest employer. The Selma City School District provides substantial education sector employment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Paul M. Grist State Park, located just north of the city, offers 100 acres with swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking opportunities. Within city limits, residents enjoy Dinkins Pool during summer months, the Softball Complex for recreational leagues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>High Poverty Rate:<\/strong> Dallas County reports a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/quickfacts\/fact\/table\/dallascountyalabama\/IPE120224#IPE120224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">31.4%<\/a> poverty rate, the highest in Alabama, with limited economic opportunities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Struggling Schools:<\/strong> Public schools consistently rank in Alabama&#8217;s bottom tier, with Selma High School and R.B. Hudson Middle School historically categorized as failing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Job Opportunities:<\/strong> Unemployment hovers around 12%, more than twice the national average, with few career advancement options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gadsden\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#2<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Gadsden<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $132,500<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $850<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 3% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gadsden.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Gadsden, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.2<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Positioned along the scenic Coosa River, Noccalula Falls Park is Gadsen&#8217;s crown jewel. Homes for sale in Gadsden attract outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the 90-foot waterfall, 500 acres of parkland, and over 15 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails through Black Creek Gorge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Alabama City:<\/strong> A historic working-class neighborhood that developed alongside Gadsden&#8217;s industrial growth. The area provides access to Gadsden State Community College for education with nearby Moragne Park offering recreational amenities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>East Gadsden:<\/strong> This established residential area is close\u00a0\u00a0the Gadsden Museum of Art, and the Walnut Gallery. Residents enjoy James D. Martin Wildlife Park which extends into Lake Gadsden, perfect for biking and lakeside picnicking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Walnut Park:<\/strong> A family-oriented neighborhood near the Coosa River Recreation Area. It offers easy access to Noccalula Falls Park&#8217;s camping, pioneer village, botanical gardens, and the park&#8217;s famous Christmas at the Falls celebration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Gadsden&#8217;s economy has transitioned from manufacturing to diversified sectors including healthcare, education, and retail.\u00a0\u00a0Northeast Alabama Regional Medical, Gadsden City Schools, and Gadsden State Community College are the the major employers, along with Phoenix Investor&#8217;s manufacturing plant.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Noccalula Falls Park dominates outdoor recreation with its iconic 90-foot waterfall, Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge, and Pioneer Village. The Black Creek Trail system offers 15+ miles of single-track mountain biking. Downtown features the Gadsden Museum of Art with rotating exhibitions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Former Manufacturing Hub:<\/strong> The 2020 Goodyear plant closure eliminated 1,200 jobs, leaving economic uncertainty despite redevelopment promises.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Higher Utilities:<\/strong> Utility costs run <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apartments.com\/cost-of-living\/gadsden-al\/#:~:text=The%20cost%20of%20living%20in,Healthcare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">30%<\/a> above the national average, offsetting some housing savings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Career Advancement:<\/strong> Smaller job market with fewer high-wage professional opportunities compared to nearby Birmingham.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"anniston\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#3<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Anniston<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $172,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $850<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of living:<\/strong> 4% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Anniston.png\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Anniston, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.9<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Often called &#8220;The Model City,&#8221; Anniston boasts of Berman Museum of World History and Anniston Museum of Natural History. With Cheaha State Park just 20 miles away and the Coldwater Mountain bike preserve nearby, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/anniston\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">homes for sale in Anniston<\/a> offers affordable living with proximity to world-class outdoor recreation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Oxanna:<\/strong> A south-central neighborhood with proximity to Regional Medical Center employment and easy access to Highway 78 for commuting to Birmingham or Atlanta.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blue Mountain:<\/strong> This is a rural neighborhood north of downtown. Residents enjoy quick access to Hospital Boulders rock climbing area on Lookout Mountain&#8217;s west brow. It also offers proximity to the scenic Chief Ladiga Trail for cycling.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lardent:<\/strong> A residential neighborhood situated near Jacksonville State University for educational access. he location offers convenient access to McClellan and proximity to both Talladega Superspeedway and Cheaha State Park for weekend recreation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center serves as Anniston&#8217;s largest employer, providing healthcare jobs across nursing, medical support, and administrative roles. Anniston City Schools employs substantial education staff, while the Anniston Army Depot continues defense industry operations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Cheaha State Park, Alabama&#8217;s highest point at 2,407 feet, sits just 20 miles away offering hiking, camping, and stunning mountain vistas. Downtown&#8217;s Anniston Museum of Natural History houses natural history exhibits and a planetarium.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Crime Rate Concerns:<\/strong> Property crime rates sit approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighborhoodscout.com\/al\/anniston\/crime#data\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">40%<\/a> above national averages, with violent crime also elevated.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Public Transit:<\/strong> Heavy car dependence with minimal public transportation options, increasing transportation costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Higher Utilities:<\/strong> Utility costs run approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\/us\/al\/anniston\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">8%<\/a> above national averages, offsetting some housing cost savings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"talladega\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#4<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Talladega<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $188,750<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent: <\/strong>$1,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 10% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Talladega.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Talladega, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.5<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Known worldwide as home to Talladega Superspeedway\u2014NASCAR&#8217;s fastest and longest track\u2014the city attracts motorsports enthusiasts. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/talladega\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Talladega<\/a> are within minutes of the 392,000-acre Talladega National Forest and DeSoto Caverns Park&#8217;s underground wonders.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Bemiston:<\/strong> A historic mill village established in 1929 by Bemis Brothers Bag Company, located just outside Talladega&#8217;s city limits near Highway 21. Residents benefit from access to the Talladega City School system and with proximity to the Ritz Theatre.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Syclacauga:<\/strong> Located approximately 15 miles south of Talladega, this town of 12,000 offers a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere. Residents have easy access to B.B. Comer Elementary School and B.B. Comer Memorial High School.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meadowbrook:<\/strong> This neighborhood offers access to Talladega County Schools&#8217; network of 18 campuses. The area provides convenient access to Logan Martin Lake&#8217;s 15,263 acres for boating and fishing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Talladega County&#8217;s economy centers on automotive manufacturing, education, and healthcare. Major employers are Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, New South Enterprises\u00a0\u00a0and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Talladega Superspeedway hosts Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series races. DeSoto Caverns Park in nearby Childersburg offers guided cave tours and gemstone mining. The CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park features state-of-the-art rifle, pistol, and shotgun ranges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Limited Entertainment Options:<\/strong> Small-town atmosphere with few restaurants, shopping centers, or nightlife venues beyond motorsports.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Motorsport Noise &amp; Traffic:<\/strong> Race weekends bring extreme traffic congestion and noise from the Superspeedway affecting quality of life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extreme Weather Risk:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/firststreet.org\/city\/talladega-al\/174592_fsid\/wind#:~:text=A%20hurricane%20of%20this%20severity,1%2Dminute%20sustained%20wind%20speed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">99%<\/a> of properties face wildfire risk and 100% face major wind event risk over the next 30 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"birmingham\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#5<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Birmingham<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $160,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,150<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 4% \u2b06\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/birmingham.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Birmingham, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.3<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Birmingham is Alabama&#8217;s largest metro area with a low cost living and some of the most affordable homes in Alabama. It&#8217;s attractive for those seeking big-city amenities at affordable prices. The city balances affordability with culture through the Birmingham Museum of Art, vibrant food scenes in neighborhoods like Avondale.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Apple Valley:<\/strong> One of Birmingham&#8217;s most affordable neighborhoods located in the northern part of the city near Center Point. It offers proximity to Center Point Center shopping plaza, easy access to I-59, and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport within 15 minutes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Liberty Highlands:<\/strong> A residential neighborhood in Birmingham&#8217;s southern region. Residents enjoy proximity to Brookwood Baptist Medical Center and Children&#8217;s of Alabama on Liberty Parkway.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Penfield Park:<\/strong> A small neighborhood of 543 residents offering a sparse urban feel. It offers access to Birmingham&#8217;s extensive park system including Railroad Park downtown, Legion Field for sporting events, and the Birmingham Civil Rights District&#8217;s historic landmarks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Birmingham&#8217;s economy thrives on diversified sectors led by healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology. University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital, Regions Financial Corporation, and Wells Fargo are the major employers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Birmingham&#8217;s cultural scene centers on the Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama Theatre&#8217;s restored 1927 movie palace, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.\u00a0\u00a0Oak Mountain State Park offers hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and the state&#8217;s only golf course.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Higher Sales Tax:<\/strong> Combined <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avalara.com\/taxrates\/en\/state-rates\/alabama\/cities\/birmingham.html#:~:text=Birmingham%2C%20Alabama%20sales%20tax%20rate,sales%20tax%20rate%20is%204.0%25.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">10%<\/a> sales tax (state, county, city) significantly exceeds the 7.3% national average.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traffic Congestion:<\/strong> I-20\/I-59 interchange and limited public transit create rush-hour bottlenecks despite being smaller than major metros.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Summer Heat &amp; Humidity:<\/strong> Long, hot, muggy summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90\u00b0F and high humidity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"bessemer\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#6<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Bessemer<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $187,500<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,036<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 2% \u2b06\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bessemer.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Bessemer, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.2<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Located just 15 miles southwest of Birmingham with I-20\/I-59 access, this historic steel town provides small-city living within Metropolitan Birmingham&#8217;s job market. Bessemer combines industrial heritage with modern conveniences including shopping at Bessemer Square Mall, and local parks like DeBardeleben Park.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Oakwood:<\/strong> Part of the Jonesboro\/Oakwood area featuring primarily single-family homes and mobile homes. It is located near McAdory High School, DeBardeleben Park with baseball fields and playgrounds, and convenient I-459 access.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brickyard Junction:<\/strong> A historic working-class neighborhood reflecting Bessemer&#8217;s industrial past. Residents live close to the revitalized Railroad Depot district, Bessemer Hall of History Museum, and Alabama Avenue&#8217;s local shops and restaurants.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hopewell:<\/strong> A residential area on Bessemer&#8217;s eastern edge with convenient access to both Bessemer and Birmingham employment centers. The neighborhood is near Jonesboro Elementary School and Splash Adventure Water Park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Bessemer&#8217;s economy centers on manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors with proximity to Birmingham&#8217;s larger job market. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in nearby Vance remains the region&#8217;s manufacturing anchor. J.M. Smucker&#8217;s massive $1.1 billion McCalla plant is also a major employer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Tannehill Ironworks State Park&#8217;s 1,500 acres showcase Alabama&#8217;s iron-making heritage. The DeBardeleben Park offers baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and picnic areas for family recreation. Bessemer&#8217;s historic downtown features the Bright Star Restaurant and the restored Bessemer Hall of History.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Limited Economic Growth:<\/strong> Former steel town struggling to redefine economy with few high-wage professional opportunities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>School Performance Issues:<\/strong> Bessemer City Schools rank among Alabama&#8217;s lower-performing districts with funding challenges.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Industrial Legacy Concerns:<\/strong> Historical environmental issues from steel manufacturing era persist in certain areas despite cleanup efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"attalla\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#7<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Attalla<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $197,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,050<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 6% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Attalla.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Attalla, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.2<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Attalla delivers exceptional affordability positioning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/attalla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">homes for sale in Attalla<\/a> among Alabama&#8217;s most budget-friendly options. The city is just minutes from Gadsden and the spectacular Noccalula Falls Park. It also offers access to Wills Creek Vineyards for weekend tastings and the 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Curtiston:<\/strong> A quiet residential area within the Attalla city limits featuring affordable single-family homes. Residents benefit from proximity to Duck Springs Elementary School and easy access to Highway 431.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reece City:<\/strong> A small unincorporated community just outside Attalla with access to Attalla City Schools including Etowah High School and the Coosa River for fishing and boating.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Downtown Attalla:<\/strong> The historic center along 4th Street Northwest featuring the city&#8217;s commercial district, Attalla City Hall, and the Attalla Public Library. It has close proximity to Etowah Middle School, making it convenient for families.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Attalla&#8217;s economy centers on small-scale manufacturing and service sectors, though employment opportunities remain limited within city limits. Max Packaging Co. and Crown Column &amp; Millwork are the local employers. However, most Attalla residents commute to nearby Gadsden for employment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Noccalula Falls Park in neighboring Gadsden serves as the primary outdoor attraction. Within Attalla, Moragne Park provides baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and picnic facilities. The Chief Ladiga Trail, Alabama&#8217;s first rail-trail, offers 33 miles of paved cycling and walking paths.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Severely Limited Job Market:<\/strong> Tiny local economy with most residents commuting 30-60 minutes to Gadsden or Birmingham for employment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Healthcare Access:<\/strong> No hospital within city limits; residents depend on Gadsden Regional Medical Center 6 miles away for emergency care.<\/li>\n<li><strong>School Performance Concerns:<\/strong> While Attalla City Schools receive mixed reviews, proficiency rates lag state averages with limited advanced coursework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"montgomery\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#8<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Montgomery<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $190,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,295<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 2% \u2b06\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Montgomery.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Montgomery, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">6.6<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>As Alabama&#8217;s capital city, Montgomery delivers a cost of living 10% below the national average. The birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement features the Rosa Parks Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Montgomery provides employment in government, defense, manufacturing, and healthcare.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Carriage Hills:<\/strong> It&#8217;s Montgomery&#8217;s most affordable neighborhood with average rents around $736 monthly. It offers convenient access to Eastdale Mall, Baptist Health Medical Center South, and easy Highway 80 access.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Woodley Park:<\/strong> A centrally located neighborhood situated near McGehee Road. Residents benefit from proximity to Faulkner University, Baldwin Arts &amp; Academics Magnet School on Vaughn Road.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Greystone:<\/strong> A residential community with a suburban feel, located in southeast Montgomery near Vaughn Road. The neighborhood provides access to Montgomery Public Schools including Park Crossing High School, and thee Montgomery Zoo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Montgomery&#8217;s economy thrives on government, defense, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. As the state capital, government employment dominates with thousands working for Alabama state agencies. Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex also employ over 12,500 military and civilian personnel.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Montgomery&#8217;s Civil Rights heritage centers on the Rosa Parks Museum, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Summer Heat &amp; Humidity:<\/strong> Long, oppressive summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95\u00b0F and high humidity from May through September.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Public Transit:<\/strong> Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) bus service is minimal with infrequent routes, requiring car dependence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Economic Inequality:<\/strong> Approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/quickfacts\/fact\/table\/montgomerycityalabama\/PST045224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">19%<\/a> poverty rate with stark wealth disparities between neighborhoods affecting schools and services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"dothan\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#9<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Dothan<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $238,250<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,125<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 1% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dothan.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Dothan, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">6.4<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Known as the &#8220;Peanut Capital of the World,&#8221; Dothan offers proximity to Gulf beaches, Wiregrass Museum of Art, and Dothan Area Botanical Gardens&#8217; 50 acres of themed gardens. Dothan balances Southern hospitality with recreational amenities and tri-state accessibility.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Ardilla:<\/strong> One of Dothan&#8217;s most affordable neighborhoods. It offers convenient access to Westgate Park&#8217;s water park and sports facilities, proximity to Dothan City Schools including Beverlye Magnet School.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Westgate:<\/strong> The community centers around Westgate Park offering a seasonal water park with slides and pools. Plus proximity to top-rated schools including Highlands Elementary School.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chapelwood:<\/strong> It offers excellent access to Flowers Hospital on Ross Clark Circle for healthcare, Dothan High School and Northside Methodist Academy for education. Plus, they have Wiregrass Commons Mall for shopping, and the Forever Wild Trails system for hiking and nature observation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Dothan&#8217;s economy centers on healthcare, defense, agriculture, and retail sectors. Major employers are Southeast Health Medical Center, Fort Novosel, Dothan City Schools and Houston County Schools.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> The Wiregrass Museum of Art in downtown&#8217;s historic Poplar Head District features rotating contemporary art exhibitions. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens spans 50 acres with themed gardens including a Japanese garden. Westgate Park serves as the city&#8217;s premier recreation destination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Extreme Summer Heat:<\/strong> Temperatures regularly exceed 95\u00b0F with oppressive humidity June-September; residents joke about the &#8220;Dothan tax&#8221; of AC bills.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cultural &amp; Entertainment Limits:<\/strong> Small-city atmosphere means limited nightlife, dining variety, and cultural attractions compared to larger metros.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Distance from Major Cities:<\/strong> 90+ miles to Tallahassee, Montgomery, or Columbus creates isolation for specialized services or entertainment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"tuscaloosa\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#10<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Tuscaloosa<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $354,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,550<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 1% \u2b06\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Tuscaloosa.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">3.4<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>It is home to the University of Alabama and its legendary Crimson Tide football program. This city of 100,000 features the revitalized downtown Tuscaloosa district with breweries and farm-to-table restaurants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>University Area:<\/strong> It is the\u00a0\u00a0heart of student and young professional living surrounding the University of Alabama campus. Residents enjoy walkable access to Bryant-Denny Stadium for football Saturdays and the Denny Chimes bell tower.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Downtown Tuscaloosa:<\/strong> A revitalized urban core featuring the historic Druid City district. The neighborhood offers walkable access to Tuscaloosa Amphitheater hosting concerts along the Riverwalk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Highlands:<\/strong> A newer suburban development on Tuscaloosa&#8217;s south side. It offers proximity to Highlands Elementary School and Tuscaloosa County schools including Paul W. Bryant High School.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Tuscaloosa&#8217;s economy thrives on education, healthcare, manufacturing, and service sectors. University of Alabama, UAB Hospital-Highlands, and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance are the major employers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Bryant-Denny Stadium dominates fall recreation through campus on football Saturdays. Lake Tuscaloosa State Park offers 177 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra performs at Moody Music Hall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Game Day Chaos:<\/strong> Football Saturdays bring 100,000+ fans creating gridlock traffic, $50+ parking fees, restaurant waits, and noise disrupting normal life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Student Population Fluctuations:<\/strong> Campus empties during summer and breaks, causing business closures and dead zones in student-heavy areas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Higher Utilities:<\/strong> Utility costs run <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\/us\/al\/tuscaloosa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">12%<\/a> above national average, offsetting some housing savings, with high AC bills during long summers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-pro-tip-box wp-block-houzeo-grey-text blue-box-content-list pro-tip-blue-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pro-tip-icon.png\" alt=\"pro tip icon\" class=\"pro-tip-icon\"\/><p class=\"pro-tip-text\"><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong> <span>If you&#8217;re looking for a family-friendly community, Mountain Brook could be a great option. From Crestline to Irondale, you\u2019ll find a wide range of <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/mountain-brook\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">affordable houses in Mountain Brook<\/a> with strong rental potential.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion margin-top-15\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">What is the cheapest and safest place to live in Alabama?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Cedar Bluff (safety score of 90) and Cherokee (safety score of 78) are the cheapest and <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/safest-places-to-live\/alabama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">safest cities in Alabama<\/a>. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"best-ya\"><strong>Top 3 Cheapest Cities to Live in Alabama for Young Adults<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When looking for the least expensive city to live in Alabama, you want more than just cheap rent. You want good jobs, a fun lifestyle, and a city where you can thrive. These Alabama cities deliver all three, with affordable housing and growing job markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It&#8217;s Great for Young Adults<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>Huntsville<\/strong><\/td><td>A strong tech and aerospace job base is reinforced by Huntsville Young Professionals, which hosts regular happy hours and sports outings, making the city appealing for buyers browsing <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/huntsville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Huntsville<\/a>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Birmingham<\/strong><\/td><td>Healthcare, finance, and tech continue to drive job growth, while festivals and a lively arts scene keep the city dynamic, making <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/birmingham\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Birmingham<\/a> attractive to young professionals who want opportunity and culture in the same place.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Tuscaloosa<\/strong><\/td><td>The University of Alabama fuels a high-energy culture of sports, nightlife at spots like Alcove and Rounders, and early-career opportunities, making <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/tuscaloosa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Tuscaloosa<\/a> especially appealing to young professionals who want work and social life in one place.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"best-families\"><strong>Top 3 Inexpensive Places to Live in Alabama for Families<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alabama is a favorite among families for its warm climate, no state income tax, and affordable housing. These three cities offer low living costs and top-notch schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It&#8217;s Great for Families<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>Gadsden<\/strong><\/td><td>Family-friendly parks such as Convention Hall Park and the trails at Noccalula Falls pair with safe neighborhoods, making <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/gadsden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Gadsden<\/a> a practical fit for families with kids.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Dothan<\/strong><\/td><td>Low utility costs, solid schools, and community staples like the National Peanut Festival make daily life easy, while kid-friendly spaces at Wiregrass Commons Mall add convenient family time near homes for sale in Dothan.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Phenix City<\/strong><\/td><td>Families drawn to <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/phenix-city\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Phenix City<\/a> benefit from sub-$1,000 rentals, Chattahoochee River access, safe suburbs, and shared Columbus amenities like the RiverWalk and zoo on household incomes just above $30,000.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"best-affordable-places-to-retire-in-alabama\"><strong>3 Best Affordable Places to Live in Alabama for Retirees<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alabama is a retiree\u2019s haven. In these cities, you can find affordable homes, accessible healthcare, and safe communities. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and picnics to enjoy a comfortable, active lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It&#8217;s Great for Retirees<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>Decatur<\/strong><\/td><td>With a cost of living 16% below the national average, median prices around $223,247, rents near $1,038, and healthcare about 22% cheaper, <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/decatur\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Decatur<\/a> attract budget-minded buyers who also enjoy riverside walks and fishing at Ingalls Harbor.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Bessemer<\/strong><\/td><td>It is the cheapest place to retire in Alabama. A 15-minute drive links Bessemer to Birmingham\u2019s healthcare and shopping, while nearby Bessemer City Park provides easy daily strolls for those considering <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/bessemer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Bessemer<\/a>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Cullman<\/strong><\/td><td>Median home prices near $226,000 and comparatively low property taxes make Cullman an accessible place to buy. Strong senior living options and nearby recreation at Smith Lake for boating and family visits add everyday value for those browsing <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/cullman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Cullman<\/a>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cost-of-living-alabama\"><strong>3 Hidden Costs to Consider in Alabama<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in Alabama\u2019s most affordable cities, home prices aren\u2019t the whole story. Be sure to factor in storm or flood insurance and local <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/property-tax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">property taxes<\/a> when evaluating the true cost of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>High Utility Bills:<\/strong> Electricity rates are 15 cents per kWh due to heavy reliance on coal and natural gas, pushing monthly utility costs to $398 for an average household. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vehicle Insurance Premiums: <\/strong>Full-coverage car insurance averages $2,148 annually, 21% higher than the national average, driven by frequent severe weather claims like tornadoes and higher accident rates. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Home Insurance Premium:<\/strong> Alabama homeowners can pay around $3,190\u2013$4,430 per year on home insurance depending on location, and costs can climb near the coast or in high-risk weather areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-pro-tip-box wp-block-houzeo-grey-text blue-box-content-list pro-tip-blue-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pro-tip-icon.png\" alt=\"pro tip icon\" class=\"pro-tip-icon\"\/><p class=\"pro-tip-text\"><strong>Quick Tip<\/strong> <span>Alabama\u2019s Homestead Exemption can reduce your taxable home value by up to $4,000 (state) and $2,000 (county). Seniors, disabled, or blind homeowners may qualify for larger exemptions or full property tax relief.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\"><strong>Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in Alabama to Live In<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Housing costs vary dramatically across Alabama. Selma residents save $4,443 monthly compared to Mountain Brook and $926 compared to Tuscaloosa. The following table breaks down these savings by median home price, monthly mortgage, property tax, insurance, and total monthly costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>City<\/th><th>Median Home Price<\/th><th>Avg. Monthly Mortgage<\/th><th>Insurance\/taxes<\/th><th>Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person <\/th><th>Monthly Savings vs. Miami<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Selma<\/strong><\/td><td>$119,000<\/td><td>$720<\/td><td>$947<\/td><td>$1,667<\/td><td>$4,443<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tuscaloosa<\/strong><\/td><td>$354,000<\/td><td>$1,676<\/td><td>$917<\/td><td>$2,593<\/td><td>$3,517<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mountain Brook<\/strong><\/td><td>$833,525<\/td><td>$3,839<\/td><td>$2,271<\/td><td>$6,110<\/td><td>    &#8211;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.expatistan.com\/cost-of-living\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Expatistan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\"><strong>Affordable Living Beyond Alabama<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure if the cheapest places in Alabama to live will fit your budget? Here are a few surrounding states that offer affordable housing, a strong job market, and stellar education, just like Alabama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\"><strong>Affordable Housing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mississippi mirrors Alabama in overall affordability, with costs 12% below the national average. These are <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-mississippi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in Mississippi<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jackson:<\/strong> State capital with median home value $108,000 and rent near $1,200. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tupelo:<\/strong> A northern city known for Elvis&#8217;s birthplace, median home price is $284,000 and rent under $1,225. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Greenville:<\/strong> Delta town with riverfront living and affordable homes at a median price of $129,900, rent nearly $999. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"what-is-the-minimum-wage-in-alabama\"><strong>A Strong Job Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Oklahoma matches Alabama&#8217;s strong job market with steady employment growth around 1.3% annually. Here are the <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-oklahoma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in Oklahoma<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tulsa:<\/strong> Median home price is $260,000, rent is $1,007, with booming tech\/manufacturing hubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Oklahoma City:<\/strong> Median home price is $264,240, rent is $1,044, with energy sector jobs (mainly oil and gas) and a growing economy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Norman: <\/strong>Median home price is $295,691, rent is $1,270, and University of Oklahoma drives education\/tech jobs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\"><strong>Stellar Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>West Virginia offers education quality comparable to Alabama&#8217;s, with public schools ranking similarly. Here are the three <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-west-virginia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in West Virginia<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Huntington:<\/strong> Median home price is $190,000, average rent is $925, and home to Marshall University for higher education access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Charleston:<\/strong> Median home price is $176,500, average rent is $1,000, with good public schools in suburbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Morgantown:<\/strong> Median home price is $221,000, average rent is $1,400 with WVU college town boosting education options. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\"><strong>Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Alabama?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Selma, Gadsden, and Anniston  are the most affordable cities to live in Alabama. These areas offer more than low prices; they also provide steady job markets, plenty of recreation, and a cost of living 5% lower than the state norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/moving-to-alabama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moving to Alabama<\/a> also offers valuable tax advantages, with property taxes averaging at 0.36%. Whether you\u2019re relocating or buying your first home, you can browse listings, compare prices, and make offers online. <\/p>\n\n\n\t<div  class=\"hfsWidget \" data-widget-title=\"Find homes in Alabama that fit your budget\ud83c\udf3e\" data-widget-list-item1=\"1st item\" data-widget-list-item2=\"2nd item\" data-widget-list-item3=\"3rd item\" data-widget-type=\"buyer1\" data-widget-vendor-type=\"inspector\" data-widget-state=\"al\" data-widget-city=\"\" data-widget-redirect-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" data-widget-redirect-text=\"Cheap houses for sale in Alabama\" data-widget-button-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\" data-widget-button-text=\"\" data-widget-min-price=\"0\" data-widget-max-price=\"0\" data-widget-min-area=\"0\" data-widget-max-area=\"0\" data-widget-sidebar=\"false\">\n        <div class=\"widgetMainBox mainBox456\">\n        <div class=\"widgetBox widgetBox3 buyer-one\">\n            <div class=\"widgetTop\" style=\"display: flex;\">\n                <div class=\"widgetTopcont\">\n                    <div class=\"homePageQuickListing -page homepage widgetInBox3 hfs_new_design_widget\">\n                      <div class=\"HeaderTopSidebar\"> \n                        <p class=\"headerStyle\">Find homes in Alabama that fit your budget\ud83c\udf3e<\/p>\n                                                                         <div class=\"widgetList skeleton skeleton-text\">\n                            <p>View 22,795 homes for sale in <span\n                            class=\"propertyStateSpan\">AL<\/span><\/p>                            \n                        <\/div>\n                                                                      <\/div>  \n                        <div class=\"verifyFieldForm addInput\">\n                            <div class=\"inputSearchBox\">\n                                <div class=\"inputBoxElement addressBar\">\n                                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"ITBTtRE\" id=\"buyerAutocomplete\"\n                                        placeholder=\"Enter an address, city, neighborhood, or ZIP\"\n                                        class=\"pac-target-input buyerAutocomplete\" autocomplete=\"off\">\n                                <\/div>\n                                <span class=\"errorStreetMsg errorMsg\">Please enter valid address<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n                            \n                            <div class=\"inputSubmitBox\">\n                                                                <button id=\"buyerBtnBox456\" class=\"continueCta storeAddress next_btn buyerBtnBox\">Search\n                                    <span class=\"arrowContinue\"><\/span><\/button>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"widgetInsideBox\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyBoxNew\" id=\"propertyContainer\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyInnerBox\">   \n                 \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/16985-state-hwy-104-silverhill-al-36576\/hzid_2931c0fb\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/76\/BCARM79b6c96805100e31eafa1d5c3fd7836a\/1_79b6c96805100e31eafa1d5c3fd7836a-m1_ec7ccd2127_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/baldwin-mls-al-logo_1724249150-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$450,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t16985 state hwy 104, <br\/>silverhill, AL 36576\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Terryl Reeves | Bellator Real Estate, LLC Fair <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: Baldwin County AOR MLS-AL | MLS#: 397682<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/23-25-crestwood-ct-millbrook-al-36054\/hzid_72b49ef0\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/67\/MAARM1148806810\/1_2004702295541_066739a4f1_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MontgomeryAORMLSLogo-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$272,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t23,25 crestwood ct, <br\/>millbrook, AL 36054\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Sullivan N. Schroeder | Riverview Real Estate <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS MLS-AL | MLS#: 582191<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew fullWidthCard \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/alabama\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" class=\"widgetanctextfind widgetancTextForAll\" target=\"_blank\">Cheap houses for sale in Alabama<span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/houzeo-media-1.s3.amazonaws.com\/homes-for-sale\/blue-arrow.svg\" alt=\"arrow\" width=\"11\" height=\"10\"><\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                   <\/div>   \n               \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n       \n    <\/div>\n\t<script>\n    document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() {        \n        if (!window.assetsLoaded) {\n            window.assetsLoaded = true;\n            var version = (typeof customData !== 'undefined' && customData.customVersion) ? customData.customVersion : '1.0';\n            loadScript('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/js\/hfs-widget.js?version=' + version);\n            loadCSS('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/css\/hfs-widget.css?version=' + version);\n        }    \n    });\n\t\t\n\t<\/script>\n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-28\" id=\"FAQs\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-faq-schema-wrap wp-faq-schema-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-faq-schema-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the cheapest place to live in Alabama?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The cheapest place to live in Alabama is <a href=\"#selma\">Selma<\/a>. It offers affordable housing at a median sale price of $119K<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bb <a href=\"#cheap-places-to-live-in-al\">10 Cheapest Places to Live in Alabama<\/a>:<\/strong> Find out the other cheapest places to live in Alabama.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere is the best place to live in Alabama?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/best-places-to-live\/alabama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best place to live in Alabama<\/a>\u00a0is Gadsden, followed by Montgomery, Talladega, Bessemer, Anniston, Birmingham, and Ozark.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the cost of living in Alabama?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The average cost to live in Alabama is 11.9% lower than the national average. However, utilities are 8% higher than the national average.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere is the best place to retire in Alabama on a budget?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Decatur, Bessemer, and Cullman are among the <a href=\"#best-affordable-places-to-retire-in-alabama\">best places to retire in Alabama<\/a> on a budget. They offer affordable housing, small-town comfort, and easy access to medical care.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhich cities have the cheapest cost of living in Alabama?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"#talladega\">Talladega<\/a> (79) and <a href=\"#attalla\">Attalla<\/a> (82) have the cheapest cost of living in Alabama. Talladega's cost of living is 10% below the state average, while Attalla's is 6% lower. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"new-excerpt\"><p class=\"small-desc\">Here are the cheapest places to live in Alabama: 1. Selma 2. Gadsden 3. Bessemer 4. Attalla 5. Anniston 6. Birmingham 7....<\/p><\/div><div class=\"reading_date\"><span class=\"readtime\">9 mins read<\/span><span class=\"date\">Jun 02, 2026<\/span><\/div>","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":505775,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46225,46263],"tags":[49774,31682,31679,49773,31684],"class_list":["post-460745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buyer","category-cheapest-places-to-live","tag-cheap-houses-for-sale-in-alabama","tag-cheapest-place-in-alabama-to-live","tag-cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama","tag-cost-of-living-in-alabama","tag-where-is-the-cheapest-place-to-live-in-alabama"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>10 Cheapest Places to Live in Alabama (2026 Updates)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here are the cheapest places to live in Alabama: 1. Selma 2. Gadsden 3. Bessemer 4. Attalla 5. Anniston 6. Birmingham 7. Talladega...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Alabama (2026 Updates)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Here are the cheapest places to live in Alabama: 1. Selma 2. Gadsden 3. Bessemer 4. Attalla 5. Anniston 6. Birmingham 7. 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Selma 2. Gadsden 3. Bessemer 4. Attalla 5. Anniston 6. Birmingham 7. Talladega...","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Alabama (2026 Updates)","og_description":"Here are the cheapest places to live in Alabama: 1. Selma 2. Gadsden 3. Bessemer 4. Attalla 5. Anniston 6. Birmingham 7. Talladega...","og_url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama\/","og_site_name":"Houzeo Blog","article_published_time":"2026-06-02T08:53:08+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-02T08:53:25+00:00","og_image":[{"width":810,"height":435,"url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Alabama.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Manisha Kamath","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Manisha Kamath","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama\/","url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama\/","name":"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Alabama (2026 Updates)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-alabama\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Alabama.webp","datePublished":"2026-06-02T08:53:08+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-02T08:53:25+00:00","description":"Here are the cheapest places to live in Alabama: 1. Selma 2. Gadsden 3. Bessemer 4. Attalla 5. Anniston 6. Birmingham 7. 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