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Cost of Living in Clarke County

Is it better to rent or buy in Clarke County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$48,201
$784/mo

Median in area: $784

$129,078

Median in area: $129,078

$25,816

If you Rent

🔑
$974 /mo
Base Rent$784
Est. Utilities$190
% of Income24.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,043

If you Buy

🏠
$1,060 /mo
P&I (7.141%)$697
Taxes & Ins$173
Est. Utilities$190
% of Income26.4%
Pre-tax Residual$2,957

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Clarke County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyMarengo County, AL
$735/mo
countyBaldwin County, AL
$1,310/mo
countyChoctaw County, AL
$592/mo
countyMonroe County, AL
$716/mo
countyWashington County, AL
$596/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Clarke County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Clarke County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $974, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,060 per month (a difference of $86).

How much do utilities cost in Clarke County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Clarke County is approximately $190. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Clarke County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Clarke County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $38,960 per year.