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Attalla, AL vs Chelsea, AL

59
Attalla
Alabama
VS
-43.7%
104
Chelsea
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Attalla, AL and Chelsea, AL is dramatic. Attalla is 43.7% cheaper than Chelsea, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Attalla has a cost index of 59 while Chelsea sits at 104, 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 Attalla is $617/month compared to $1,456/month in Chelsea — a 58% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Attalla is more affordable at $120,400 median vs $339,400.

Median household income in Attalla is $55,429 compared to $110,056 in Chelsea (-49.6%). While Chelsea is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Attalla spend roughly 13.4% of their income on rent, less than the 15.9% in Chelsea.

Climate-wise, Chelsea is notably warmer with an average of 64.4°F compared to 59°F in Attalla. Attalla receives more rainfall at 57.6" per year compared to 56.2" in Chelsea.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Attalla
59
44% cheaper
Chelsea
104
Median Household Income
Attalla
$55,429
Chelsea
$110,056
50% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Attalla
$617
58% cheaper
Chelsea
$1,456
Median Home Value
Attalla
$120,400
65% cheaper
Chelsea
$339,400
Population
Attalla
5,829
Chelsea
15,731

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Attalla $810
Chelsea $971
17% cheaper
1 Bed
Attalla $917
Chelsea $1,088
16% cheaper
2 Bed
Attalla $1,050
Chelsea $1,208
13% cheaper
3 Bed
Attalla $1,303
Chelsea $1,517
14% cheaper
4 Bed
Attalla $1,473
Chelsea $1,720
14% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Attalla 59°F
Chelsea 64.4°F
Summer High
Attalla 87°F
Chelsea 91°F
Winter Low
Attalla 31°F
Chelsea 36°F
Rainfall
Attalla 57.6"
Chelsea 56.2"
Rainy Days
Attalla 125d
Chelsea 126d