Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $74,925 in Utah — about 41% higher in Utah. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.1%
+2.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
4.50%
+0.5 pp in Alabama
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$1,166
+16% in Utah
Median Home Value
$138,600
$495,700
+258% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$74,925
+69% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
52.8°F
+10.5°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Utah?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,004 runs about 14% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Utah?
- 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 $47,000 in Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Utah?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Alabama/Utah — 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.