Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $804 in North Dakota. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 20% cheaper on rent than Alabama, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $66,029 in North Dakota — about 33% higher in North Dakota. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Alabama vs North Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or North Dakota?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 20% below Alabama's $1,004, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in North Dakota?
- 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 $32,000 in North Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or North Dakota?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Alabama/North Dakota — 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.