A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Florence Alabama National
Cost of living8989100
Groceries9596100
Health care9795100
Housing7474100
Transportation9895100
Utilities9697100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9494100
Household Items9596100
Education & Childcare9193100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Florence, AL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Florence is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Florence is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Florence?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 13 residents in Florence to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 54% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 46% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Florence Affordable?

Is Florence an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Florence, the median home price is 23.1% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 32% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Florence come in at $59,581, which is 26.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Florence?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Florence, the healthcare costs are 3.3% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Florence, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4%, and the income tax rates commence at 2%.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Florence cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Florence is equal to the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Florence is 11% lower than the national average
  • Florence housing is 26% lower than the national average
  • Alabama general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Alabama state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Florence

See all the best places to live around Florence

Compare Florence, AL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$85,402$7,117$1,993$2,562
      Renters$36,878$3,073$860$1,106
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Florence, AL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Florence, homeowners have a median income of $85,402. Using that number, a maximum of $1,993 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $36,878, which means there is a maximum of $860 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Leighton, AL8067920.6%
      Sheffield, AL9,1168514.8%
      Underwood-Petersville, AL2,7788614.3%
      Tuscumbia, AL8,7418713.2%
      Littleville, AL9738911.5%
      Florence, AL41,7568911.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Timmins, ON41,763n/a 
      Newnan, GA41,7651065.8%
      Coram, NY41,73313332.8%
      Danville, VA41,7839010.3%
      Woburn, MA41,79415353.4%
      Florence, AL41,7568911.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.