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Arab, AL vs Fairhope, AL

69
Arab
Alabama
VS
-40.2%
116
Fairhope
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Arab, AL and Fairhope, AL is dramatic. Arab is 40.2% cheaper than Fairhope, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Arab has a cost index of 69 while Fairhope sits at 116, 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 Arab is $697/month compared to $1,637/month in Fairhope — a 57% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arab is more affordable at $196,700 median vs $406,500.

Median household income in Arab is $60,985 compared to $86,509 in Fairhope (-29.5%). The higher salaries in Fairhope partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Arab spend roughly 13.7% of their income on rent, less than the 22.7% in Fairhope.

Climate-wise, Fairhope is notably warmer with an average of 66°F compared to 59.9°F in Arab. Fairhope receives more rainfall at 65.8" per year compared to 58.7" in Arab.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Arab
69
40% cheaper
Fairhope
116
Median Household Income
Arab
$60,985
Fairhope
$86,509
30% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Arab
$697
57% cheaper
Fairhope
$1,637
Median Home Value
Arab
$196,700
52% cheaper
Fairhope
$406,500
Population
Arab
8,573
Fairhope
23,360

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Arab $2.90
Fairhope $2.90
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Arab $2.37
Fairhope $2.37
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Arab $3.81
Fairhope $3.81
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Arab $1.75
Fairhope $1.75
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Arab $3.92
Fairhope $3.92
US $4.14
Electricity
Arab $0.17
Fairhope $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Arab 59.9°F
Fairhope 66°F
Summer High
Arab 88°F
Fairhope 89°F
Winter Low
Arab 31°F
Fairhope 39°F
Rainfall
Arab 58.7"
Fairhope 65.8"
Rainy Days
Arab 116d
Fairhope 0d