A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
19%
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 Oxford Alabama National
Cost of living9189100
Groceries9596100
Health care9595100
Housing8174100
Transportation9295100
Utilities9797100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9494100
Household Items9996100
Education & Childcare9293100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Oxford, AL

The cost of living in Oxford 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 Oxford is 91, which is 9% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Oxford closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Oxford can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Oxford Affordable?

Is Oxford 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 Oxford, the median home price is 20.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 15.7% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Oxford boasting a median household income of $93,413, 14.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oxford?

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 Oxford, healthcare costs are 4.6% lower than the national average.

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 Oxford, is 19.1% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Oxford, the groceries index is 5.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Oxford 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 Oxford is 2% higher than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Oxford is 9% lower than the national average
  • Oxford housing is 19% 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 Oxford

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Compare Oxford, 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$103,998$8,667$2,426$3,120
      Renters$56,365$4,697$1,315$1,691
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Oxford is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Oxford has a median income of about $103,998 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,426 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $56,365. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,315 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Delta, AL122955.4%
      White Plains, AL555955.4%
      West End-Cobb Town, AL3,5717920.9%
      Hobson City, AL8098020.0%
      Munford, AL1,5228119.5%
      Oxford, AL21,765919.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Red Deer County, AB21,767n/a 
      Pleasant Prairie, WI21,7621099.4%
      Selden, NY21,78613534.6%
      Squamish, BC21,730n/a 
      East Ridge, TN21,728918.6%
      Oxford, AL21,765919.5%
      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.