Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $900 in Alabama versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 17% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,687 in Alabama and $71,900 in Oregon — about 23% higher in Oregon. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
None
+4.0 pp in Alabama
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
9.90%
+4.9 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$900
$1,080
+20% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$148,500
$435,400
+193% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,687
$71,900
+29% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
53.0°F
+10.3°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Oregon?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $900 runs about 17% below Oregon's $1,080, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Oregon?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Alabama versus $43,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Oregon?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Alabama/Oregon — 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.