With its Southern comfort food, Gulf Coast beaches, historical significance, music heritage, and welcoming communities, there are plenty of reasons to live in Alabama. If you’re considering moving to Alabama then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under in your home or apartment search. When it comes to buying a home in Alabama the median home sale price is $284,900.
If that price is out of your budget, don’t worry, we’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 10 of the most affordable places to live in Alabama. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under $284,900. From Montgomery to Birmingham, let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.
#1: Gadsden
Median home price: $176,200
Average sale price per square foot: $105
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $625
Median household income: $35,776
Nearest major metro: Birmingham (60 miles)
Gadsden, AL homes for sale
Gadsden, AL apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $176,200, Gadsden is the most affordable place to live in Alabama. About 60 miles northeast of Birmingham, the nearest major metro, Gadsden is home to roughly 33,900 people. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore Noccalula Falls Park, golf at one of the courses, or explore the downtown Gadsden area.
#2: Montgomery
Median home price: $180,000
Average sale price per square foot: $110
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $775
Median household income: $49,989
Montgomery, AL homes for sale
Montgomery, AL apartments for rent
Coming in as the second most affordable place to live in Alabama is Montgomery. When living in this city of 200,600 people, you can visit the Alabama State Capitol building and explore Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Discover some of the other historical museums located throughout Montgomery like the Rosa Parks Museum, The Legacy Museum, and the Freedom Rides Museum.
#3: Birmingham
Median home price: $229,000
Average sale price per square foot: $156
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $775
Median household income: $39,403
Birmingham, AL homes for sale
Birmingham, AL apartments for rent
About 200,700 people live in Birmingham. The median home sale price is $229,000 which is about $55K less than the median home sale price in Alabama. If you find yourself moving here, make sure to visit museums like Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Birmingham Museum of Art and explore the gorgeous Birmingham Botanical Gardens. You can also take in the scenic views at Vulcan Park and Museum or stroll along the trails at Railroad Park.
#4: Bessemer
Median home price: $245,000
Average sale price per square foot: $136
Median household income: $49,989
Nearest major metro: Birmingham (15 miles)
Bessemer, AL homes for sale
Bessemer, AL apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Birmingham is the city of Bessemer, located just 15 miles southeast of the big city. With a population close to 26,000, there’s still plenty to do in this city. Plan to visit Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure during the sunny summer months and check out the downtown area.
#5: Enterprise
Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $131
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $625
Median household income: $49,989
Nearest major metro: Dothan (30 miles)
Enterprise, AL homes for sale
Enterprise, AL apartments for rent
Another great affordable city to consider moving to is Enterprise. With 28,700 residents, moving to this affordable city gives you the perks of city-life without living in a major metropolitan area. Living in Enterprise, you can spend the afternoon at Johnny Henderson Park, and check out the downtown area.
#6: Prattville
Median home price: $258,409
Average sale price per square foot: $135
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,195
Median household income: $65,932
Nearest major metro: Birmingham (15 miles)
Prattville, AL homes for sale
Prattville, AL apartments for rent
The home prices in our next city, Prattville, are about $25K less than the state’s average. Home to roughly 37,800 people, Prattville is a great place to consider moving to this year – and you’ll have easy access to what makes this city stand out. Make sure to explore green spaces like Wilderness Park and Pratt Park, check out the Doster Road Artesian Well House, and grab a meal at one of the local restaurants.
#7: Tuscaloosa
Median home price: $259,900
Average sale price per square foot: $174
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $865
Median household income: $44,880
Nearest major metro: Birmingham (60 miles)
Tuscaloosa, AL homes for sale
Tuscaloosa, AL apartments for rent
Next on our list of affordable places to live in Alabama is Tuscaloosa. With a population of close to 99,600, living in Tuscaloosa is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city to call home. If you find yourself moving to this city make sure to spend the day at Lake Tuscaloosa, watch a show at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, walk along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, or explore the museums and campus grounds at the University of Alabama.
#8: Decatur
Median home price: $260,000
Average sale price per square foot: $140
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $749
Median household income: $52,539
Nearest major metro: Huntsville (25 miles)
Decatur, AL homes for sale
Decatur, AL apartments for rent
If you’ve lived in Alabama for a while, it’s likely you know of Decatur. About 57,900 people reside in Decatur. Be sure to explore the expansive Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, visit museums like Old State Bank and the Cook Museum of Natural Science, or check out the downtown area once living in Decatur.
#9: Northport
Median home price: $272,900
Average sale price per square foot: $171
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $885
Median household income: $69,921
Nearest major metro: Tuscaloosa (2 miles)
Northport, AL homes for sale
Northport, AL apartments for rent
Another great place to consider living in Alabama is Northport where the population is about 31,100. Northport is conveniently located just two miles north of Tuscaloosa. Popular things to do in Northport include exploring the Northport Riverwalk and golfing at one of the courses.
#10: Phenix City
Median home price: $279,000
Average sale price per square foot: $125
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $857
Median household income: $43,296
Nearest major metro: Columbus, GA (5 miles)
Phenix City, AL homes for sale
Phenix City, AL apartments for rent
The final city on our list is Phenix City, located along the Alabama-Georgia border. This city has a population of 38,800 and you can grab a bite at one of the local restaurants, visit one of the parks like Moon Lake, or drive over to nearby Columbus, GA. There’s always something to check out while living in Phenix City.
Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Alabama. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during August 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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