Home / Compare / Chelsea vs Highland Lakes

Chelsea, AL vs Highland Lakes, AL

104
Chelsea
Alabama
VS
-12%
118
Highland Lakes
Alabama

Chelsea is moderately more affordable than Highland Lakes, with a 12% lower cost of living index. Chelsea scores 104 compared to 118 for Highland Lakes, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Highland Lakes can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Chelsea are $339,400 compared to $562,600 in Highland Lakes, a 40% gap.

Median household income in Chelsea is $110,056 compared to $169,833 in Highland Lakes (-35.2%). While Highland Lakes is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 63.9°F). Highland Lakes receives more rainfall at 56.6" per year compared to 56.2" in Chelsea.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Chelsea
104
12% cheaper
Highland Lakes
118
Median Household Income
Chelsea
$110,056
Highland Lakes
$169,833
35% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Chelsea
$1,456
Highland Lakes
Median Home Value
Chelsea
$339,400
40% cheaper
Highland Lakes
$562,600
Population
Chelsea
15,731
Highland Lakes
5,673

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Chelsea $971
Highland Lakes $971
1 Bed
Chelsea $1,088
Highland Lakes $1,088
2 Bed
Chelsea $1,208
Highland Lakes $1,208
3 Bed
Chelsea $1,517
Highland Lakes $1,517
4 Bed
Chelsea $1,720
Highland Lakes $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Chelsea 64.4°F
Highland Lakes 63.9°F
Summer High
Chelsea 91°F
Highland Lakes 91°F
Winter Low
Chelsea 36°F
Highland Lakes 35°F
Rainfall
Chelsea 56.2"
Highland Lakes 56.6"
Rainy Days
Chelsea 126d
Highland Lakes 118d