State Comparison

Alabama vs Massachusetts

Alabama is cheaper overall, while $100 goes further in Alabama, Massachusetts has higher incomes, and Alabama gets more sunshine.

Alabama

AL • South

Overall winner

Quality of Life Score

47.01

Massachusetts

MA • Northeast

Quality of Life Score

60.23

Alabama

18 / 30

metrics won

Wins

Score

Massachusetts

12 / 30

metrics won

AL wins Housing

AL wins Quality of Life

AL wins Climate

MA wins Income

Quality of Life

Composite score — income, affordability, education, health, and safety.

Alabama

47.01

Massachusetts winner

60.23

Massachusetts scores higher on quality of life — 13.22 points difference.

Overview

Key differences overview

These cards keep the comparison factual first, so the biggest tradeoffs in affordability, housing, taxes, politics, climate, and day-to-day living are easy to scan.

Overall Affordability

Alabama is 60.2 points cheaper overall

Alabama has the lower cost-of-living index. Alabama is at 88.6, while Massachusetts is at 148.8.

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Real Dollar Value

$100 goes $19.07 further in Alabama

After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $114.62 of local buying power in Alabama, versus $95.55 in Massachusetts.

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Income

Massachusetts income is 75.6% higher

Massachusetts has the higher median household income at $96,505, compared with $54,943 in Alabama.

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Jobs

Massachusetts minimum wage is $7.75 higher

Massachusetts has the higher statewide minimum wage at $15.00/hr, compared with $7.25/hr in Alabama.

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Housing

Massachusetts homes cost about 2.9x more

Alabama has the lower median home value at $174,600, versus $510,400 in Massachusetts.

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Taxes

Massachusetts has lower state income tax

Massachusetts has the lower state income tax rate. Its top rate is 5.00%, compared with 5.00% in Alabama.

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Take-Home Calculator

What's Your Salary Really Worth?

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Alabama

Gross salary: —
State income tax (top rate 5.0%): —
After state tax: —
Real buying power (BEA RPP): —

Massachusetts

Gross salary: —
State income tax (top rate 5.0%): —
After state tax: —
Real buying power (BEA RPP): —

Cost-of-Living Equivalent

—

* "After state tax" uses the top marginal rate — actual effective rate is lower for most incomes. Real buying power uses BEA Regional Price Parity (87.2 for Alabama, 110.4 for Massachusetts). COL equivalent uses the MERIC/C2ER composite index.

Tradeoffs

Pros and cons for each state

A fast scan of the biggest advantages and drawbacks pulled from affordability, housing, income, taxes, safety, health, education, jobs, and weather.

Alabama

At-a-glance strengths and tradeoffs

Pros: Alabama

Alabama has a lower overall cost of living.
Alabama has a lower housing cost index.
Alabama has lower median home values.
Alabama has lower property tax rates on average.
Alabama job growth trend is stronger.
Alabama has more sunny days.

Cons

Alabama shows lower median income.
Alabama has a higher violent crime rate.
Alabama health access/outcomes proxy is lower.
Alabama health coverage access proxy is weaker.
Alabama education proxy is lower.

Massachusetts

At-a-glance strengths and tradeoffs

Pros: Massachusetts

Massachusetts shows higher median income.
Massachusetts has a lower violent crime rate.
Massachusetts health access/outcomes proxy is higher.
Massachusetts health coverage access proxy is stronger.
Massachusetts education proxy is higher.

Cons

Massachusetts has a higher overall cost of living.
Massachusetts has a higher housing cost index.
Massachusetts has higher median home values.
Massachusetts has higher property tax rates on average.
Massachusetts job growth trend is weaker.
Massachusetts has fewer sunny days.

Full Comparison

Pick a category to focus on. General shows the most important facts at a glance.

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Capital City The official state capital.	Montgomery	Boston	Details ->
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Red	Solid Blue	Details ->
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	5,024,279	7,029,917	Details ->
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$54,943	$96,505	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	88.6	148.8	Details ->
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$174,600	$510,400	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.38%	1.07%	Details ->
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	5.00%	5.00%	Details ->
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$7.25/hr	$15.00/hr	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.840/gal	$3.933/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.06 c/kWh	31.16 c/kWh	Details ->
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	47.01	60.23	Details ->
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	62.8°F	47.9°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	99 days	98 days	Details ->
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	52,419 sq mi	10,554 sq mi	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	95.8 per sq mi	666.1 per sq mi	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 14, 1819 (#22)	February 6, 1788 (#6)	Details ->

Population -> Median Income -> Cost of Living -> Median Housing Value -> Property Tax -> State Income Tax -> Minimum Wage -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Livability Score -> Average Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Land Area -> Population Density ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	5,024,279	7,029,917	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	95.8 per sq mi	666.1 per sq mi	Details ->
Bachelor's Degree Adults age 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher (ACS 2023).	28.9%	47.8%	Details ->
Advanced Degree Adults age 25+ with a graduate or professional degree (ACS 2023).	11.3%	22.4%	Details ->

Population -> Population Density -> Bachelor's Degree -> Advanced Degree ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$7.25/hr	$15.00/hr	Details ->

Minimum Wage ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	47.01	60.23	Details ->
Best State to Live In Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.	47.01	60.23	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	88.6	148.8	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.840/gal	$3.933/gal	Details ->
Gas Tax State gasoline excise tax in cents per gallon. Lower = lower state fuel tax burden.	29.00 c/gal	24.00 c/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.06 c/kWh	31.16 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	25.0 min	30.4 min	Details ->

Livability Score -> Best State to Live In -> Cost of Living -> Gas Price -> Gas Tax -> Electricity Rates -> Commute Time ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	62.8°F	47.9°F	Details ->
Summer Temperature Average statewide summer temperature across June, July, and August.	78.6°F	68.0°F	Details ->
Winter Temperature Average statewide winter temperature across December, January, and February.	46.5°F	27.4°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	99 days	98 days	Details ->
Annual Precipitation Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.	58.3 in	47.7 in	Details ->

Average Temperature -> Summer Temperature -> Winter Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Annual Precipitation ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$174,600	$510,400	Details ->
Median Gross Rent Median gross monthly rent in U.S. dollars.	$925/mo	$1,678/mo	Details ->
Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households with a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Owner Costs Without Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households without a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Homeownership Rate Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied.	69.6%	62.8%	Details ->
Home Value to Income Ratio Median home value divided by median household income.	3.18x	5.29x	Details ->
Rent to Income Ratio Annualized median gross rent as a share of median household income.	20.2%	20.9%	Details ->
Owner Costs to Income Median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income (ACS 2023).	14.8%	19.5%	Details ->

Median Housing Value -> Median Gross Rent -> Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage -> Owner Costs Without Mortgage -> Homeownership Rate -> Home Value to Income Ratio -> Rent to Income Ratio -> Owner Costs to Income ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	5.00%	5.00%	Details ->
State Sales Tax State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).	4.00%	6.25%	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.38%	1.07%	Details ->

State Income Tax -> State Sales Tax -> Property Tax ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Red	Solid Blue	Details ->
Presidential Voting Margin Signed 2024 presidential margin in percentage points (positive = Democratic, negative = Republican).	Rep +30.47	Dem +25.20	Details ->
Swing State / Battleground Whether the state was part of the core 2024 battleground map.	Not a battleground	Not a battleground	Details ->
Governor Party Current governor's party (NCSL partisan composition, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Democratic	Details ->
State House Control Current partisan control of the lower legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Democratic	Details ->
State Senate Control Current partisan control of the upper legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Democratic	Details ->
Trifecta Whether one party controls the governorship and both legislative chambers (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican Trifecta	Democratic Trifecta	Details ->

Presidential Voting Margin ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Gun Laws Status Simplified statewide gun-law label based on current Giffords grades: A to B = Restrictive, C to F = Permissive (scorecard modified February 20, 2026).	Permissive	Restrictive	Details ->
Alcohol Laws Whether the state uses a control-state or license-state model for distilled-spirit sales (NABCA directory accessed April 6, 2026).	Control State	License State	Details ->
Marijuana Legalization Current statewide marijuana status: Legal, Medical, or Illegal (NCSL state cannabis laws page updated June 27, 2025).	Medical	Legal	Details ->
Minimum Marriage Age Minimum marriage age with statutory exceptions. California has no statutory minimum age.	16	18 (banned)	Details ->

Minimum Marriage Age ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	52,419 sq mi	10,554 sq mi	Details ->
Highest Point Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.	Cheaha Mountain (2,413 ft)	Mount Greylock (3,491 ft)	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 14, 1819 (#22)	February 6, 1788 (#6)	Details ->
Capital City The official state capital.	Montgomery	Boston	Details ->
Region U.S. Census Bureau geographic region.	South	Northeast	Details ->

Land Area -> Highest Point ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Life Expectancy Life expectancy at birth in years (CDC 2021).	73.2 yrs	80.0 yrs	Details ->
Older Adult Health Outcomes Composite score for comparing state health outcomes for older adults, using life expectancy, insurance coverage, and obesity prevalence.	34.9	88.9	Details ->
Uninsured Rate Share of residents without health insurance coverage.	8.5%	2.6%	Details ->
Obesity Rate Adult obesity prevalence.	38.9%	27.0%	Details ->

Life Expectancy -> Older Adult Health Outcomes -> Uninsured Rate -> Obesity Rate ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Violent Crime Rate Violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR 2022).	447.8	283.3	Details ->
Property Crime Rate Property crime incidents per 100,000 residents.	1733.9	1086.4	Details ->

Violent Crime Rate -> Property Crime Rate ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
K-12 Education Rank US News Best States K-12 education sub-ranking (1 = best, 50 = worst).	#47	#1	Details ->
High School Graduation Rate 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate for public high schools (NCES).	91.0%	89.0%	Details ->
Student-Teacher Ratio Average number of pupils per teacher in public K-12 schools (NCES).	17.0:1	13.1:1	Details ->

K-12 Education Rank -> High School Graduation Rate -> Student-Teacher Ratio ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$54,943	$96,505	Details ->
Regional Price Parity Official price level relative to the national average (100 = U.S. average).	87.2	110.4	Details ->
Purchasing Power of $100 Real local value of $100 after adjusting for BEA Regional Price Parities.	$114.62	$95.55	Details ->
Poverty Rate Share of residents below the federal poverty line (ACS 2023).	15.6%	10.4%	Details ->
Employment/Population Ratio Employed civilian population as a share of the adult population (ACS 2023).	55.8%	64.4%	Details ->
Unemployment Rate Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (BLS, December 2025).	2.7%	4.8%	Details ->
Job Growth Change in total nonfarm payroll employment from December 2024 to December 2025 (BLS).	0.5%	0.0%	Details ->

Median Income -> Regional Price Parity -> Purchasing Power of $100 -> Poverty Rate -> Employment/Population Ratio -> Unemployment Rate -> Job Growth ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Hurricane Risk Relative hurricane exposure based on FEMA National Risk Index (None / Low / Moderate / High / Very High).	Moderate	Moderate	Details ->
Tornado Risk Relative tornado exposure based on FEMA National Risk Index (None / Low / Moderate / High / Very High).	High	Low	Details ->
Earthquake Risk Relative seismic exposure based on FEMA National Risk Index (None / Low / Moderate / High / Very High).	Low	Low	Details ->
Wildfire Risk Relative wildfire exposure based on FEMA National Risk Index (None / Low / Moderate / High / Very High).	Low	Low	Details ->

Metric	AL	MA	Deep dive
Retirement Score Composite score for comparing states for retirement, combining affordability, taxes, housing, health, safety, and winter climate.	69.9	56.2	Details ->

Retirement Score ->

Intent-Oriented

Which state fits your priorities better?

Use these cards as decision shortcuts for common goals like saving money, buying a home, finding better weather, or optimizing for work and family life.

6 of 18 shown

Saving Money

Alabama is cheaper overall

Overall cost-of-living index: 88.6 vs 148.8 in Massachusetts. On a national baseline of 100, the lower score usually means cheaper day-to-day expenses.

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Gas Price

Alabama is cheaper at the pump

Average regular gas price: $3.840/gal in Alabama vs $3.933/gal in Massachusetts. Lower pump prices can cut everyday driving costs.

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Minimum Wage

Massachusetts has the higher minimum wage

State minimum wage: $15.00/hr in Massachusetts vs $7.25/hr in Alabama. That matters most for hourly, entry-level, and part-time workers.

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Electricity Rates

Alabama has cheaper electricity

Average residential electricity rate: 16.06 c/kWh in Alabama vs 31.16 c/kWh in Massachusetts. Lower cents-per-kWh pricing can help keep utility bills down.

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Buying a Home

Alabama is more attainable for buyers

Home-value-to-income ratio: 3.18x in Alabama vs 5.29x in Massachusetts. A lower ratio means the median home is easier to afford on a median income.

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Renting

Alabama is easier for renters

Rent-to-income ratio: 20.2% in Alabama vs 20.9% in Massachusetts. A lower percentage means rent takes a smaller bite out of a typical household budget.

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Explore by Category

Dive Deeper

Each link opens a full one-on-one breakdown for that metric — national rankings, charts, and context.

Population

Massachusetts has a larger population than Alabama by 2,005,638 people.

Population Density

Massachusetts is more densely populated than Alabama.

Bachelor's Degree

Massachusetts has a higher college-educated share than Alabama.

Advanced Degree

Massachusetts has a higher advanced-degree share than Alabama.

Alabama vs Massachusetts - Common Questions

Q Is Alabama cheaper to live in than Massachusetts?

Alabama has the lower cost of living. On the national index (100 = average), Alabama scores 88.6 versus 148.8 for Massachusetts - a gap of 60.2 points.

Q Where does $100 go further - Alabama or Massachusetts?

$100 goes further in Alabama. After BEA regional price adjustments, $100 is worth about $114.62 in Alabama, compared with $95.55 in Massachusetts.

Q Which state is bigger - Alabama or Massachusetts?

Alabama is larger, covering 52,419 sq mi compared with 10,554 sq mi for Massachusetts - roughly 5.0x the size.

Q Does Alabama or Massachusetts have more people?

Massachusetts has the larger population at 7,029,917, compared with 5,024,279 in Alabama.

Q Which state has higher household income - Alabama or Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has the higher median household income at $96,505, versus $54,943 in Alabama.

Q Is housing cheaper in Alabama or Massachusetts?

Homes are cheaper in Alabama, where the median home value is $174,600, versus $510,400 in Massachusetts.

Q Which state is more densely populated - Alabama or Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is more densely populated at 666.1 per sq mi people per sq mi. Alabama is more spread out at 95.8 per sq mi people per sq mi.

Related Comparisons

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Delaware vs Massachusetts

Alabama vs Connecticut

Alabama vs Maine

Methodology

All figures are sourced from U.S. government datasets and updated annually. Page last updated: April 2026.

Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files and statehood dates from the National Archives. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker. See our editorial policy for how we review and update these pages.

Alabama vs Massachusetts

Quality of Life

Key differences overview

Alabama is 60.2 points cheaper overall

$100 goes $19.07 further in Alabama

Massachusetts income is 75.6% higher

Massachusetts minimum wage is $7.75 higher

Massachusetts homes cost about 2.9x more

Massachusetts has lower state income tax

What's Your Salary Really Worth?

Pros and cons for each state

Alabama

Pros: Alabama

Cons

Massachusetts

Pros: Massachusetts

Cons

Full Comparison

Which state fits your priorities better?

Alabama is cheaper overall

Alabama is cheaper at the pump

Massachusetts has the higher minimum wage

Alabama has cheaper electricity

Alabama is more attainable for buyers

Alabama is easier for renters

Alabama has lower property taxes

Massachusetts votes bluer

Massachusetts has stricter gun laws

Alabama uses a control-state system

Massachusetts has broader marijuana access

Alabama feels less crowded

Alabama has the shorter commute

Alabama looks better for job seekers

Massachusetts looks better for remote workers

Massachusetts looks better for families

Alabama is warmer overall

Alabama gets more sun

Dive Deeper

Alabama vs Massachusetts - Common Questions

Q Is Alabama cheaper to live in than Massachusetts?

Q Where does $100 go further - Alabama or Massachusetts?

Q Which state is bigger - Alabama or Massachusetts?

Q Does Alabama or Massachusetts have more people?

Q Which state has higher household income - Alabama or Massachusetts?

Q Is housing cheaper in Alabama or Massachusetts?

Q Which state is more densely populated - Alabama or Massachusetts?

Related Comparisons

Methodology