Cost of Living in Auburn, AL

With a cost of living index of 90, Auburn, AL is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 10% cheaper than the national average and 16% above the Alabama state average of 74. With a population of 78,738, Auburn is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Auburn's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,034 (22% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $342,400 (12% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Auburn is $56,123, which is 25% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Auburn. The area sees an average annual temperature of 66.6°F, with summers averaging 82°F and winters around 50°F. Annual rainfall totals 48.8 inches spread over roughly 109 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Auburn-Opelika, AL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.