Helena, AL

Average · 99

Alabama · Population 21,452 · Updated March 2026

$1,420
Median Rent / Month
$109,590
Median Income
$292,700
Median Home Value
$1,513
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Helena

15.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Alabama

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.0%
Sales Tax
0.41%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$17,040
Annual Rent
$5,480
State Income Tax
$1,200
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Helena has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 99 (where 100 equals the national median), Helena residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,420/month while earning a median household income of $109,590/year.

The median home value in Helena, AL is $292,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,513 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Alabama has a moderate income tax rate of 5.0%. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 0.41% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Helena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Helena

What is the cost of living in Helena, AL?
The cost of living index in Helena, AL is 99 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,420, median household income is $109,590/year, and the median home value is $292,700.
Is Helena, AL affordable?
Yes, Helena is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 99. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Helena, AL?
The median gross rent in Helena, AL is $1,420 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,040.
What is the median household income in Helena?
The median household income in Helena, AL is $109,590 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Alabama?
Alabama has a top income tax rate of 5.0%, a sales tax of 4.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.41%.