A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
35%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Center Point Alabama National
Cost of living8888100
Goods & Services9896100
Groceries9796100
Health care9487100
Housing6572100
Transportation9191100
Utilities108102100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Center Point, AL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Center Point? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Center Point stands at 88, making it 12% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Is Center Point Affordable?

Is Center Point affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Center Point, the median home price is 46.2% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 7.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Center Point boasting a median household income of $45,221, 18.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Center Point?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Center Point, the groceries index is 3.3% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Center Point, the transportation index is 9.5% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Center Point, healthcare costs are 6.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Center Point displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Center Point is equal to the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Center Point is 12% lower than the national average
  • Center Point housing is 35% lower than the national average
  • Alabama general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Alabama state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Center Point

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Compare Center Point, AL Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$60,263$5,022$1,406$1,808
      Renters$28,446$2,371$664$853
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Center Point, AL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Center Point homeowners, is $60,263. This would allow for a maximum of $1,406 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $28,446 which would result in a maximum of $664 to be spent on rental costs.

      Alabama Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Alabama 4% 13.5%

      Alabama Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Alabama 2% 5%

      Goods & Services

      Item Center Point National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.07$24.2617.3%
      Beauty Salon $45.74$45.560.4%
      Toothpaste $3.76$3.701.6%
      Shampoo $1.33$1.284.1%
      Movie $12.54$12.133.3%
      Bowling $16.37$18.009.1%

      Groceries

      Item Center Point National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.01$5.843.0%
      Fried Chicken $1.66$1.575.5%
      Milk $4.54$4.672.9%
      Potatoes $5.23$4.936.0%
      Pizza $10.99$12.099.1%
      Beer $10.40$10.410.1%

      Health Care

      Item Center Point National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $92.33$125.6826.5%
      Doctor $101.83$135.7825.0%
      Dentist $125.78$113.2911.0%
      Ibuprofen $10.28$10.653.5%
      Lipitor $460.79$468.601.7%

      Housing

      Item Center Point National avg. Difference
      Home Price $99,400.00$184,700.0046.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,935.73$2,346.6917.5%
      Apartment Rent $878.00$949.007.5%

      Transportation

      Item Center Point National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.13$3.469.7%
      Tire Balancing $54.52$59.929.0%

      Utilities

      Item Center Point National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $219.40$193.9913.1%
      Phone $188.55$192.251.9%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cardiff, AL467723.5%
      Mount Olive CDP (Coosa County), AL2757920.7%
      Brighton, AL2,8738317.4%
      Brookside, AL1,1208515.4%
      Trafford, AL5308515.4%
      Center Point, AL15,9718812.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hope Mills, NC15,972936.7%
      Crowley, TX15,9721044.4%
      Brunswick, ME15,97411211.8%
      Cherryland, CA15,97615858.3%
      Ukiah, CA15,96313231.6%
      Center Point, AL15,9718812.0%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.