C
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
52%
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 Meadowbrook Alabama National
Cost of living11289100
Groceries9596100
Health care9795100
Housing15274100
Transportation9595100
Utilities9597100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9794100
Household Items9596100
Education & Childcare8693100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Meadowbrook, AL

The cost of living in Meadowbrook affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Meadowbrook is 112, which is 12% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Meadowbrook cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 51.9% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Meadowbrook Affordable?

Is Meadowbrook 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 Meadowbrook, for instance, where the median home price falls 63.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 24% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Meadowbrook flaunting a median household income of $182,548, 124.4% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Meadowbrook?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Meadowbrook, healthcare costs are 3.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Meadowbrook, the transportation index is 5.5% lower than the national average.

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 Meadowbrook comes in at 4.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Meadowbrook shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Meadowbrook is 26% higher than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Meadowbrook is 12% higher than the national average
  • Meadowbrook housing is 52% 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 Meadowbrook

See all the best places to live around Meadowbrook

Compare Meadowbrook, 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$192,966$16,081$4,502$5,790
      Renters$130,015$10,835$3,033$3,901
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Meadowbrook, AL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Meadowbrook have a median income of $192,966. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,502 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $130,015, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $3,033.

      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.
      Brantleyville, AL8377624.1%
      Edgewater, AL8528218.5%
      Brighton, AL2,9398118.8%
      Lipscomb, AL2,1208218.3%
      Tarrant, AL6,4268514.8%
      Meadowbrook, AL10,31411211.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Blacklick Estates, OH10,313919.4%
      Garden Acres, CA10,31811616.0%
      Glenwood Springs, CO10,32113636.5%
      Cypress Gardens, FL10,3061065.7%
      Cedartown, GA10,3058911.3%
      Meadowbrook, AL10,31411211.5%
      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.