Alabaster, AL vs Gulf Shores, AL

Alabaster is moderately more affordable than Gulf Shores, with a 10.2% lower cost of living index. Alabaster scores 94 compared to 104 for Gulf Shores, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Gulf Shores can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Alabaster is $1,375/month compared to $1,363/month in Gulf Shores — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Gulf Shores has cheaper rent, Alabaster actually has lower median home values ($242,600 vs $367,000).

Median household income in Alabaster is $90,163 compared to $73,873 in Gulf Shores (+22.1%). Alabaster offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Alabaster spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 22.1% in Gulf Shores.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 66°F). Gulf Shores receives more rainfall at 65.8" per year compared to 56.2" in Alabaster.