Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 25% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $83,857 in Washington — about 47% higher in Washington. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.5%
+2.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
None
+5.0 pp in Alabama
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$1,332
+33% in Washington
Median Home Value
$138,600
$454,600
+228% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$83,857
+89% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
52.1°F
+11.2°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Washington?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,004 runs about 25% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Washington?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Alabama/Washington — 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.