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Arab, AL vs Marion, AL

69
Arab
Alabama
VS
+23.4%
56
Marion
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marion is 23.4% cheaper than Arab. With a cost index of 56 vs 69, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marion to Arab should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arab is $697/month compared to $533/month in Marion — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marion is more affordable at $108,300 median vs $196,700.

Median household income in Arab is $60,985 compared to $38,221 in Marion (+59.6%). While Arab is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Arab spend roughly 13.7% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Marion.

Climate-wise, Marion is notably warmer with an average of 63.6°F compared to 59.9°F in Arab. Arab receives more rainfall at 58.7" per year compared to 55.4" in Marion.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Arab
69
Marion
56
19% cheaper
Median Household Income
Arab
$60,985
37% higher
Marion
$38,221

Housing

Median Rent
Arab
$697
Marion
$533
24% cheaper
Median Home Value
Arab
$196,700
Marion
$108,300
45% cheaper
Population
Arab
8,573
Marion
2,994

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Arab $971
Marion $995
2% cheaper
1 Bed
Arab $1,088
Marion $1,000
8% cheaper
2 Bed
Arab $1,208
Marion $1,205
3 Bed
Arab $1,517
Marion $1,535
1% cheaper
4 Bed
Arab $1,720
Marion $1,595
7% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Arab 59.9°F
Marion 63.6°F
Summer High
Arab 88°F
Marion 91°F
Winter Low
Arab 31°F
Marion 34°F
Rainfall
Arab 58.7"
Marion 55.4"
Rainy Days
Arab 116d
Marion 108d