F
23%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
87%
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 Homewood Alabama National
Cost of living12389100
Groceries9496100
Health care9795100
Housing18774100
Transportation9695100
Utilities9697100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9294100
Household Items9996100
Education & Childcare9793100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Homewood, AL

Understanding the cost of living in Homewood 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 Homewood cost of living index is 123, which is 23% higher 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.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Homewood may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Homewood falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Homewood cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 87.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Homewood Affordable?

Is Homewood affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Homewood, for instance, where the median home price falls 113.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 25.1% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Homewood flaunting a median household income of $127,411, 56.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Homewood?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Homewood, is 87.2% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Homewood, the utilities index registers at 4.4% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Homewood 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 Homewood is 39% higher than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Homewood is 23% higher than the national average
  • Homewood housing is 87% higher 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 Homewood

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Compare Homewood, 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$192,228$16,019$4,485$5,767
      Renters$68,994$5,750$1,610$2,070
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Homewood, 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 Homewood homeowners, is $192,228. This would allow for a maximum of $4,485 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $68,994 which would result in a maximum of $1,610 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cardiff, AL487624.0%
      Edgewater, AL8528218.5%
      Brighton, AL2,9398118.8%
      Mulga, AL7868317.1%
      Lipscomb, AL2,1208218.3%
      Homewood, AL25,71612323.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Walker, MI25,7111000.1%
      Paducah, KY25,7038811.6%
      Clinton, MS25,729964.2%
      Timberwood Park, TX25,73312626.3%
      Tecumseh, ON25,689n/a 
      Homewood, AL25,71612323.1%
      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.