A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
42%
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 Russellville Alabama National
Cost of living8489100
Groceries9596100
Health care9795100
Housing5874100
Transportation9895100
Utilities9697100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9494100
Household Items9596100
Education & Childcare9193100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Russellville, AL

The cost of living in Russellville 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 Russellville is 84, which is 16% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing expenses can absorb a substantial portion of your net income, sometimes exceeding 30%. Thankfully, Russellville stands out by reporting housing costs that are 42.4% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Russellville can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.

Is Russellville Affordable?

Is Russellville 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 Russellville, the median home price is 45.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 34.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Russellville boasting a median household income of $67,336, 17.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Russellville?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Russellville, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4%, and income tax rates kick off at 2%.

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 Russellville, the utilities index registers 4.1% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Russellville, the transportation index stands at 2.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Russellville 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 Russellville is 5% lower than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Russellville is 16% lower than the national average
  • Russellville housing is 42% 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 Russellville

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Compare Russellville, 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$85,738$7,145$2,000$2,572
      Renters$48,251$4,021$1,126$1,448
      The affordability of the housing market in Russellville, 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 Russellville homeowners, the median income is $85,738. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,000 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $48,251. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,126 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.
      Belgreen, AL28954.6%
      Spruce Pine, AL76954.6%
      Leighton, AL8067920.6%
      Hodges, AL3668019.9%
      Phil Campbell, AL9698019.5%
      Russellville, AL10,1748416.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Denham Springs, LA10,174972.9%
      Carroll, IA10,1758910.6%
      Mont-Tremblant, QC10,175n/a 
      Charter Oak, CA10,17214646.4%
      Wimauma, FL10,17211010.1%
      Russellville, AL10,1748416.0%
      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.