Alabaster, AL vs Alexander City, AL
The cost of living difference between Alabaster, AL and Alexander City, AL is dramatic. Alexander City is 47.5% cheaper than Alabaster, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alabaster has a cost index of 94 while Alexander City sits at 64, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.
On the housing front, median rent in Alabaster is $1,375/month compared to $690/month in Alexander City — a 99% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alexander City is more affordable at $135,900 median vs $242,600.
Median household income in Alabaster is $90,163 compared to $42,367 in Alexander City (+112.8%). While Alabaster is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alabaster spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.5% in Alexander City.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 63°F). Alexander City receives more rainfall at 56.4" per year compared to 56.2" in Alabaster.
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Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)