Cheapest Places to Live in Alabama (2026)
Looking for the most affordable cities in Alabama? We ranked 16 Alabama cities by median home value. The cheapest is Prichard (~$61,000); the Alabama median is $201,000.
Most affordable cities in Alabama
Ranked by median home value, lowest first:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prichard | $61,000 | $37 |
| 2 | Birmingham | $100,000 | $104 |
| 3 | Montgomery | $107,500 | $98 |
| 4 | Bessemer | $170,000 | $119 |
| 5 | Dothan | $185,000 | $135 |
| 6 | Phenix City | $193,000 | $153 |
| 7 | Jasper | $197,000 | $161 |
| 8 | Mobile | $200,000 | $143 |
| 9 | Tuscaloosa | $220,500 | $185 |
| 10 | Athens | $255,000 | $174 |
Most expensive cities in Alabama
The priciest Alabama markets by median home value:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pike Road | $430,000 | $177 |
| 2 | Madison | $377,000 | $182 |
| 3 | Huntsville | $339,000 | $168 |
| 4 | Pell City | $327,000 | $175 |
| 5 | Northport | $279,000 | $173 |
| 6 | Cullman | $260,000 | $167 |
| 7 | Athens | $255,000 | $174 |
| 8 | Tuscaloosa | $220,500 | $185 |
| 9 | Mobile | $200,000 | $143 |
| 10 | Jasper | $197,000 | $161 |
How we rank Alabama cities
Rankings use the typical (median) home value for each city from public market data (Realtor.com & Zillow research). Affordability also depends on incomes, taxes, and cost of living — see each city page for local detail. Directional estimates, not appraisals.
Explore all Alabama home values, estimate any home with the Home Value Estimator, or see where your budget goes furthest nationwide.
Alabama affordability: FAQ
What is the cheapest place to live in Alabama? +
Based on median home value, Prichard is among the most affordable cities in Alabama, with a typical home around $61,000 — well below the Alabama median of $201,000.
What is the most expensive city in Alabama? +
By median home value, Pike Road is among the priciest in Alabama, with a typical home around $430,000.
Is Alabama an affordable place to live? +
The median home value in Alabama is about $201,000 (30% more affordable than the U.S. median of $289,000), but prices vary widely by city — from around $61,000 to $430,000.