salaryRent is lower than in 53% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $63,800 a year. That is $31 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Alabama cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Alabama. It is number 98 of 120 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Muscle Shoals?
Share of households by yearly income. 19.2% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Muscle Shoals
| Size | Muscle Shoals | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $818 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,000 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,322 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,229 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Muscle Shoals overall?
Everyday prices in the Florence-Muscle Shoals metro area are 15% below the U.S. average (index 84.8, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Muscle Shoals
Life in Muscle Shoals
What jobs pay in Muscle Shoals
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $130,540 | 14.7% |
| Software Developer | $116,260 | 16.5% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $101,040 | 18.9% |
| Civil Engineer | $100,300 | 19.1% |
| Lawyer | $98,850 | 19.4% |
| Operations Manager | $97,600 | 19.6% |
| Accountant | $67,600 | 28.3% |
| Registered Nurse | $66,360 | 28.8% |
| Plumber | $60,590 | 31.6% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,580 | 31.6% |
| Electrician | $59,770 | 32.0% |
| Dental Hygienist | $58,660 | 32.6% |
| Police Officer | $56,010 | 34.2% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $55,360 | 34.6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $51,940 | 36.9% |
| Carpenter | $51,740 | 37.0% |
| Truck Driver | $48,140 | 39.8% |
| HVAC Technician | $46,560 | 41.1% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,520 | 51.0% |
| Firefighter | $37,150 | 51.5% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,370 | 52.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $35,350 | 54.1% |
| Nursing Assistant | $31,940 | 59.9% |
| Restaurant Cook | $30,350 | 63.1% |
| Retail Salesperson | $28,980 | 66.0% |
| Cashier | $27,310 | 70.1% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $25,990 | 73.6% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Muscle Shoals?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $209 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $199,700 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $19,970 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Muscle Shoals, AL?
Renting in Muscle Shoals costs a median of about $1,595 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Alabama median is $1,175.
How much do I need to make to live in Muscle Shoals?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $63,800 a year, or $31 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Muscle Shoals cheap or expensive?
Muscle Shoals is rated OK: rent takes 23.4% of the typical household income of $81,852. It ranks 98th cheapest of 120 Alabama cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Muscle Shoals?
The median homeowner in Muscle Shoals pays $899 a year in property taxes, about 0.45% of the median home value.
Is Muscle Shoals more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 15% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Muscle Shoals?
The median home value in Muscle Shoals is $199,700, about 2.4 times the typical yearly household income.
16,951 people live in Muscle Shoals. Numbers are typical (middle) values.