A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
0%
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 Pell City Alabama National
Cost of living9889100
Groceries9896100
Health care9995100
Housing10074100
Transportation9895100
Utilities9597100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9694100
Household Items9696100
Education & Childcare9693100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Pell City, AL

Understanding the cost of living in Pell City 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 Pell City cost of living index is 98, which is 2% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Pell City are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Pell City can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Pell City Affordable?

Is Pell City an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Pell City is 0.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 3.1% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Pell City has a median household income of $87,408, which is 7.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pell City?

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 Pell City, the transportation index is 1.8% lower than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Pell City, the utilities index registers 5.3% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Pell City 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 Pell City is 10% higher than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Pell City is 2% lower than the national average
  • Pell City housing is equal to 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 Pell City

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Compare Pell City, 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$105,628$8,802$2,464$3,169
      Renters$68,817$5,735$1,606$2,065
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Pell City, 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 Pell City have a median income of $105,628. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,464 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $68,817, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,606.

      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.
      Talladega, AL16,0198217.6%
      Ragland, AL1,8408218.2%
      Waldo, AL3168416.5%
      Vincent, AL2,0228613.7%
      Vandiver, AL9408911.5%
      Pell City, AL14,541982.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pembroke, ON14,541n/a 
      Moultrie, GA14,5368911.1%
      Hammonton, NJ14,54911818.2%
      Weigelstown, PA14,549982.0%
      Grain Valley, MO14,550981.9%
      Pell City, AL14,541982.2%
      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.