Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $1,235 in Florida. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Florida, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $69,142 in Florida — about 36% higher in Florida. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Florida has no state income tax and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Florida
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
None
+5.0 pp in Alabama
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$1,235
+23% in Florida
Median Home Value
$138,600
$320,700
+131% in Florida
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$69,142
+56% in Florida
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
71.8°F
+8.5°F in Florida
Alabama vs Florida — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Florida?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,004 runs about 19% below Florida's $1,235, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Florida?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $40,000 a year in Alabama versus $49,000 in Florida.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Florida?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Florida has no state income tax and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Alabama/Florida — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.