Centre, AL vs Rainbow City, AL
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Centre is 15.3% cheaper than Rainbow City. With a cost index of 65 vs 77, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Centre to Rainbow City should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Centre is $666/month compared to $998/month in Rainbow City — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Centre is more affordable at $166,300 median vs $203,600.
Median household income in Centre is $43,912 compared to $59,659 in Rainbow City (-26.4%). While Rainbow City is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Centre spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 20.1% in Rainbow City.
Climate-wise, Rainbow City is notably warmer with an average of 62.3°F compared to 59°F in Centre. Centre receives more rainfall at 57.6" per year compared to 52.2" in Rainbow City.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)