A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
36%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Scottsboro Alabama National
Cost of living8888100
Goods & Services9996100
Groceries9996100
Health care9387100
Housing6472100
Transportation9491100
Utilities98102100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Scottsboro, AL

Understanding the cost of living in Scottsboro can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Scottsboro cost of living index is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Is Scottsboro Affordable?

Is Scottsboro affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Scottsboro, the median home price is 34.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 38.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Scottsboro boasting a median household income of $43,713, 21% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Scottsboro?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Scottsboro comes in at 1.6% lower than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Scottsboro, the transportation index is 5.6% lower than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Scottsboro, the housing index is 35.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Scottsboro, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Scottsboro is equal to the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Scottsboro is 12% lower than the national average
  • Scottsboro housing is 36% lower than the national average
  • Alabama general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Alabama state income tax is 11% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Scottsboro

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Compare Scottsboro, AL Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$60,491$5,041$1,411$1,815
      Renters$20,660$1,722$482$620
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Scottsboro, AL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Scottsboro homeowners, is $60,491. This would allow for a maximum of $1,411 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $20,660 which would result in a maximum of $482 to be spent on rental costs.

      Alabama Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Alabama 4% 13.5%

      Alabama Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Alabama 2% 5%

      Goods & Services

      Item Scottsboro National avg. Difference
      Haircut $24.45$24.260.8%
      Beauty Salon $52.50$45.5615.2%
      Toothpaste $3.85$3.704.1%
      Shampoo $1.24$1.283.4%
      Movie $12.52$12.133.2%
      Bowling $22.78$18.0026.5%

      Groceries

      Item Scottsboro National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.04$5.843.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.42$1.579.7%
      Milk $4.55$4.672.6%
      Potatoes $5.33$4.937.9%
      Pizza $12.16$12.090.6%
      Beer $10.23$10.411.7%

      Health Care

      Item Scottsboro National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $104.06$125.6817.2%
      Doctor $130.44$135.783.9%
      Dentist $113.33$113.290.0%
      Ibuprofen $10.52$10.651.2%
      Lipitor $367.22$468.6021.6%

      Housing

      Item Scottsboro National avg. Difference
      Home Price $121,400.00$184,700.0034.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,800.86$2,346.6923.3%
      Apartment Rent $584.00$949.0038.5%

      Transportation

      Item Scottsboro National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.16$3.468.7%
      Tire Balancing $61.19$59.922.1%

      Utilities

      Item Scottsboro National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $191.34$193.991.4%
      Phone $188.01$192.252.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dutton, AL5068218.5%
      Shiloh, AL3738317.5%
      Stevenson, AL2,3267921.1%
      Skyline, AL1,0498416.4%
      Sylvania, AL2,3867920.6%
      Scottsboro, AL14,4528812.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mill Valley, CA14,456298197.6%
      North Auburn, CA14,44613434.4%
      Midlothian, IL14,4641010.7%
      Norridge, IL14,46512221.7%
      Owosso, MI14,4768812.4%
      Scottsboro, AL14,4528812.0%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.