According to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index, which does quarterly cost of living assessments, Dothan ranked 12.5% lower than than the national average cost of living, and ranked 16th lowest of over 315 metropolitan areas nationwide.

Dothan is a metropolitan hub, with an economy rich in manufacturing, agriculture, retail and first class medicare. Thanks to it's diversity, DOthan has one of the lowest property taxes in the state and ranks as one o fthe most affordable places to live in the nation.

Dothan City Manager Mike West said, "the diversity of our economy we aren't really dependant upon any one industry or business."

The National Bureau of Census lists Dothan as "Non-Classified", because of it's economic variety.

"We're very diversified, you've got the military influx you've got the retail section you've got the industrial section, you have strong utility infrastructures." said Matt Parker, President of the Dothan Chamber of Commerce.

Parker said, "its probably the best data tool that you can have in your market and we have it online as well so if you're thinking of moving to the Dothan area you punch in the city you're livin in and dothan and see how you stack up in the areas of housing, utilities, healthcare, miscelaneous goods, groceries..." when asked about the ACCRA Cost of Living Index.

West said, "The tax structure in dothan is very favorable for individual living as well as business and industry"

Dothan has been in the top twenty most affordable places listed since it has been included in the index, and continues to rank higher each quarter.

Parker said, "the first part of 2008 in the first quarter we were 23rd lowest, the second quarter we were 19th lowest, and now we're the 16th lowest."

The highest cost of living areas in Alabama for the third quarter were Auburn and Mobile.

To see how any city compares to dothan you can log on to www.coli.org.