2024 Cost of Living in Auburn, AL | What You Need to Know!

Summary

In this 2024 update, Alex Acuff from the Acuff Weekly Group takes viewers through the cost of living in Auburn, Alabama, highlighting key factors such as housing, rent, groceries, utilities, taxes, and healthcare. Auburn offers a significantly cheaper lifestyle compared to major metropolitan areas like New York, LA, and Atlanta, with affordable home prices and lower utility costs. The city’s mild weather, strong job opportunities, and proximity to Auburn University make it an attractive place for families and retirees alike. Alex also emphasizes the importance of understanding local costs when moving to this vibrant area.

Takeaways

• 😀 Auburn, Alabama offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to major cities like Atlanta, New York, and LA, with savings up to 50%.
• 🏡 The median home price in Auburn is approximately $449,000, with condos ranging from $225,000 to $750,000 depending on location and amenities.
• 💰 Rent prices in Auburn vary, with the average rent for a 3-4 bedroom home around $1,300 to $2,000 per month.
• 🥛 Grocery prices in Auburn are relatively affordable, with a gallon of milk costing around $3.81 and eggs averaging $3.30 per dozen.
• 🍽️ Dining out in Auburn ranges from $10.50 per meal for a casual outing to $50-$75 per person for a more upscale experience.
• 🚗 Auburn's transportation system relies on public buses and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, with commutes generally taking 15-20 minutes.
• 💡 Utilities, including gas, power, water, and internet, average around $300-$350 per month, though older homes may have higher energy costs.
• 🎬 Entertainment in Auburn includes movie tickets for around $12 and local events ranging from $3-$5 for tickets, with weekend activities costing about $15-$30.
• 🏠 Property taxes in Auburn are approximately $2,250 annually for a home with a homestead exemption, but rental properties may see taxes double.
• 🛍️ Sales tax in Auburn is 9%, which is higher than the surrounding areas, but this helps fund local amenities like recycling and garbage pickup.
• 💊 Healthcare costs in Auburn are higher than average, with the healthcare cost index being 122, which means it's 22% more expensive than in other regions.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses the cost of living in Auburn, Alabama, including housing, rental costs, groceries, utilities, entertainment, transportation, taxes, healthcare, and more.

Why is it a good idea to move to Auburn, Alabama?

Auburn offers job opportunities, a great university, a focus on healthcare, mild winters, and warmer summers. It is also a more affordable place to live compared to larger metropolitan cities.

How much cheaper is Auburn compared to major metropolitan cities like New York or LA?

Auburn is 50% cheaper than New York and 40% cheaper than LA, according to the cost of living price index. It's also 20% cheaper than Atlanta.

What is the median cost of a home in Auburn?

The median cost of a home in Auburn, Alabama, is around $449,000 as of April 2024.

What are the rental costs like in Auburn?

Rental prices in Auburn typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 for a three- or four-bedroom home, but older, updated homes in desirable areas may cost closer to $2,000. Rental prices for condos near Auburn University can range from $225,000 to $750,000.

What are grocery prices like in Auburn?

The price of a gallon of milk is about $3.81, eggs cost around $3.30, beef is approximately $4.27 per pound, and cereal is around $3.50 per box. Produce prices vary depending on the season and whether items are organic.

How much does eating out cost in Auburn?

The average cost of a meal in Auburn is around $10.50. Mid-range meals for two people cost between $25 and $50, while higher-end restaurants like Acre or Hamilton’s cost around $50 to $75 per plate.

What is the cost of transportation in Auburn?

The public transportation system in Auburn costs about $150 for a bus ticket through Lee County. Most local transport relies on services like Uber and Lyft, with prices varying depending on the location.

How much are utilities in Auburn?

Utility bills, including gas, power, water, internet, and cable, typically range from $300 to $350, though this can be higher for older homes or homes without efficient cooling systems during the summer.

What are the property taxes like in Auburn?

In Auburn, property taxes on a $449,000 home with a homestead exemption are about $2,250. If the property is a rental, taxes can be close to $4,500. Tax exemptions are available for seniors and veterans, and the county offers slightly lower tax rates than the city.