Here, I’ll provide you with all you need to know about relocating to Alabama. We’ll also clue you in on some of the top Alabama cities to move to and who they might be best for. Read on for an open, honest, and comprehensive overview of Alabama.
Cost of Living in Alabama
Compared to many other states in the U.S., Alabama has a relatively low cost of living. Not to mention, this state’s cost of living is lower than that of the national average, making it an affordable place to live for many.
But what exactly can you expect to pay when you live in Alabama?
The average cost you can expect to pay as an Alabama resident is roughly $40,000 a year. Let’s break down the average costs here, minus the costs of raising children and miscellaneous spending:
● Housing: $270,000 to low $300,000 for a house, even for new homes in Opelika, AL, or $1,200 a month to rent
● Utilities: $400 per month
● Groceries: $270 a month per person
● Transportation: $5,400 a year for a single adult without kids
● Healthcare: $6,500 per year for one person
Alabama Job Market
As of 2025, the unemployment rate in Alabama has been staying low. While job growth is slightly slowing down, ultimately, the job market is relatively optimistic.
The top industries in Alabama range from manufacturing and metals production to agriculture and forestry, making it a state that’s quite diverse job-wise.
Some of the jobs that are most in demand in Alabama right now include nurses, software developers, accountants, and jobs in the skilled trades like equipment mechanics.
The Education System in Alabama
Alabama has a variety of school options available. For primary education, private, public, character, and homeschooling are all options for residents. As for secondary education, Alabama is home to over 60 colleges and universities ranging from the University of Alabama to Chattahoochee Valley Community College.
Unfortunately, the overall school quality in Alabama is below average, but thanks to recent changes in the education system, primary students have been showing improvements in their academics. What is more, Alabama students have a higher graduation rate than average. The state also boasts high-ranking universities and well-rated schools within certain districts.
Things to Do in Alabama
While it ultimately depends on where in Alabama you’re moving to, there are many things to do in this state.
Alabama is home to multiple beaches, state parks, hiking trails, wildlife tours, fine art museums, theme parks, and fishing piers. The state also offers several historical sites, such as Old Alabama Town, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and numerous Montgomery Civil Rights landmarks.
There’s truly something for everyone in Alabama, whether you’re an outdoorsy person, a child looking for some summer fun, a college student invested in art, or a retiree wanting to hone in on the historical side of Alabama.
Pros and Cons of Alabama Living
Let’s face it, every state has its perks and downfalls. It’s no different with Alabama. Below are some of its pros and cons.
Pros:
● Affordable housing and rent
● Low cost of living
● Favourable taxes
● Mild winters
● Residents are known for their Southern hospitality
● A growing job market
● Diverse outdoor recreation options
● Rich history and strong culture
● A variant education system
Cons:
● Risk of hurricanes and tornadoes in certain areas
● Hot, humid summers
● Prone to pollen and pollution
● Long commute times if living in a rural part of Alabama
● Few nightlife opportunities outside of larger metropolitan areas
● Lack of public transportation unless in larger cities
Best Alabama Cities to Move to
If you’re still set on Alabama, where exactly should you move? It can be a tough choice, but we’ll help narrow down your options based on some of the best Alabama cities to move to:
Huntsville
Huntsville, AL is known for its strong job market in the aerospace and tech industries with multiple major employers. It also boasts a low cost of living, great outdoor activities, and a fantastic healthcare system.
Huntsville, AL is known for its strong job market in the aerospace and tech industries with multiple major employers. It also boasts a low cost of living, great outdoor activities, and a fantastic healthcare system.
Birmingham
Move to Birmingham if you want a more lively scene. You can count on this Alabama city for sports, festivals and local events, plenty of cultural opportunities, and outstanding eateries for the whole family. It’s a particularly great city to move to for those working in the medical or research sectors due to these industries currently growing in the area.
Move to Birmingham if you want a more lively scene. You can count on this Alabama city for sports, festivals and local events, plenty of cultural opportunities, and outstanding eateries for the whole family. It’s a particularly great city to move to for those working in the medical or research sectors due to these industries currently growing in the area.
Montgomery
Want the best of both worlds? Montgomery offers a balance between historical sites and a variety of entertainment options, ranging from family activities to nightlife venues. It also has a favourable job market, short commutes, and is a short drive from the mountains and the coast.
Want the best of both worlds? Montgomery offers a balance between historical sites and a variety of entertainment options, ranging from family activities to nightlife venues. It also has a favourable job market, short commutes, and is a short drive from the mountains and the coast.
Auburn
Like Birmingham, Auburn is home to great restaurants, cultural experiences, and outdoor recreation. Art, music, and food lovers are big fans of this Alabama city and its walkable, lively downtown. Compared to Birmingham, however, Auburn is much smaller in population.
Like Birmingham, Auburn is home to great restaurants, cultural experiences, and outdoor recreation. Art, music, and food lovers are big fans of this Alabama city and its walkable, lively downtown. Compared to Birmingham, however, Auburn is much smaller in population.
Mobile
Take in a little of everything in Mobile, AL: rich culture, quick access to local beaches, a variety of food options, plenty of events and festivals, and plenty of job opportunities. However, compared to some Alabama cities, the crime rate tends to be higher in Mobile, but with its general diversity, low cost of living, and favourable taxes, Mobile is great for many.
Conclusion
Considering everything - both the good and the bad - why should you settle for Alabama? The answer is pretty simple. Enjoy a diverse job market, an ideal cost of living, a great education system, and plenty of things to do. All in all, Alabama is an ideal state for anyone: young couples, families, college students, those living solo, and retirees.
Take in a little of everything in Mobile, AL: rich culture, quick access to local beaches, a variety of food options, plenty of events and festivals, and plenty of job opportunities. However, compared to some Alabama cities, the crime rate tends to be higher in Mobile, but with its general diversity, low cost of living, and favourable taxes, Mobile is great for many.
Conclusion
Considering everything - both the good and the bad - why should you settle for Alabama? The answer is pretty simple. Enjoy a diverse job market, an ideal cost of living, a great education system, and plenty of things to do. All in all, Alabama is an ideal state for anyone: young couples, families, college students, those living solo, and retirees.
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