Alabaster, AL vs Selma, AL

The cost of living difference between Alabaster, AL and Selma, AL is dramatic. Selma is 51.6% cheaper than Alabaster, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alabaster has a cost index of 94 while Selma sits at 62, 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 $723/month in Selma — a 90% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Selma is more affordable at $102,500 median vs $242,600.

Median household income in Alabaster is $90,163 compared to $32,184 in Selma (+180.1%). 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 27% in Selma.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 64.2°F). Alabaster receives more rainfall at 56.2" per year compared to 53.4" in Selma.