Alabama vs Massachusetts Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$85,131
in Alabama
$50,505
in Massachusetts
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Alabama | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 71.2 | 221.0 | -68% |
| Groceries | 97.5 | 102.7 | -5% |
| Utilities | 98.0 | 154.8 | -37% |
| Transportation | 90.5 | 105.2 | -14% |
| Healthcare | 91.2 | 134.2 | -32% |
| Dining & Misc | 95.1 | 116.8 | -19% |
| Overall | 88.1 | 148.5 | -41% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alabama.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alabama | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $220,000 | $620,000 | $400,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $997/mo | $3,094/mo | $2,097 |
| Gas price | $3.13/gal | $3.41/gal | $0.28 |
| Electric bill | $105/mo | $212/mo | $107 |
| Infant childcare | $7,871/yr | $26,709/yr | $18,838 |
Salary equivalent: Alabama → Massachusetts
What a Alabama salary buys you in Massachusetts, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alabama | Equivalent in Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $84,279 | $-34,279 |
| $75,000 | $126,419 | $-51,419 |
| $100,000 | $168,558 | $-68,558 |
| $150,000 | $252,838 | $-102,838 |
| $200,000 | $337,117 | $-137,117 |
Positive = your money goes further in Massachusetts. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Massachusetts is 41% more expensive than Alabama overall. Massachusetts has an index of 148.5 vs 88.1 for Alabama (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Massachusetts?
Alabama is cheaper to live in. Massachusetts is 41% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $220,000 in Alabama vs $620,000 in Massachusetts.
Is Alabama cheaper than Massachusetts?
Yes, Alabama is 41% cheaper than Massachusetts overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Massachusetts more expensive than Alabama?
Yes, Massachusetts is 41% more expensive than Alabama based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Massachusetts equals $100,000 in Alabama?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alabama, you would need approximately $168,558 in Massachusetts. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (88.1 vs 148.5).
How do housing costs compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Alabama. Median home prices are $220,000 in Alabama vs $620,000 in Massachusetts — a $400,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $997/mo vs $3,094/mo.
What costs more in Alabama vs Massachusetts?
Housing is 68% lower in Alabama (index 71.2 vs 221). Utilities is 37% lower in Alabama (index 98 vs 154.8). Healthcare is 32% lower in Alabama (index 91.2 vs 134.2).
Is gas cheaper in Alabama or Massachusetts?
Gas averages $3.13/gallon in Alabama and $3.41/gallon in Massachusetts — a $0.28 difference per gallon.
Alabama vs Massachusetts cost of living — how do they compare?
Alabama has an overall cost-of-living index of 88.1 and Massachusetts has 148.5 (national average = 100). Massachusetts is 41% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Alabama vs Massachusetts paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Alabama Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Massachusetts Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alabama vs Massachusetts Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alabama — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Massachusetts — How much house can you afford?
- Alabama Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Massachusetts Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Alabama Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.