A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
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 Phenix City Alabama National
Cost of living9089100
Groceries9896100
Health care9895100
Housing7774100
Transportation9495100
Utilities9897100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9094100
Household Items9596100
Education & Childcare9693100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Phenix City, AL

Knowing the cost of living in Phenix City allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Phenix City stands at 90, marking it 10% lower than the national average.

In Phenix City, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Phenix City will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Phenix City Affordable?

Is Phenix City 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 Phenix City, the median home price is 27.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13.9% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Phenix City boasting a median household income of $63,093, 22.4% lower than the national average.

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

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 Phenix City, healthcare costs are 2.5% 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.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Phenix City, the general sales tax rate starts at 4%, and income tax rates begin at 2%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Phenix City are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Phenix City is 1% higher than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Phenix City is 10% lower than the national average
  • Phenix City housing is 23% 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 Phenix City

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Compare Phenix 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$82,819$6,902$1,932$2,485
      Renters$41,990$3,499$980$1,260
      The affordability of the housing market in Phenix City, AL as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Phenix City homeowners, the median income is $82,819. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,932 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $41,990. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $980 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, GA10,750919.3%
      Ladonia, AL3,7158811.8%
      Columbus, GA201,240963.9%
      Smiths Station, AL5,954946.5%
      Phenix City, AL37,524909.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lewiston, ME37,532972.9%
      Holly Springs, NC37,53812423.8%
      Portage, IN37,504945.6%
      Dunedin, FL37,5531088.4%
      Bettendorf, IA37,4771033.2%
      Phenix City, AL37,524909.9%
      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.