Home / Compare / Chelsea vs Holtville

Chelsea, AL vs Holtville, AL

104
Chelsea
Alabama
VS
+28.6%
81
Holtville
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Holtville is 28.6% cheaper than Chelsea. With a cost index of 81 vs 104, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Holtville to Chelsea should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chelsea is $1,456/month compared to $961/month in Holtville — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Holtville is more affordable at $247,500 median vs $339,400.

Median household income in Chelsea is $110,056 compared to $73,250 in Holtville (+50.2%). 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 Chelsea spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in Holtville.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 63°F). Holtville receives more rainfall at 56.4" per year compared to 56.2" in Chelsea.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Chelsea
104
Holtville
81
22% cheaper
Median Household Income
Chelsea
$110,056
33% higher
Holtville
$73,250

Housing

Median Rent
Chelsea
$1,456
Holtville
$961
34% cheaper
Median Home Value
Chelsea
$339,400
Holtville
$247,500
27% cheaper
Population
Chelsea
15,731
Holtville
5,700

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

$
Formula:

Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Chelsea $971
Holtville $835
14% cheaper
1 Bed
Chelsea $1,088
Holtville $867
20% cheaper
2 Bed
Chelsea $1,208
Holtville $1,029
15% cheaper
3 Bed
Chelsea $1,517
Holtville $1,309
14% cheaper
4 Bed
Chelsea $1,720
Holtville $1,585
8% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Chelsea 64.4°F
Holtville 63°F
Summer High
Chelsea 91°F
Holtville 90°F
Winter Low
Chelsea 36°F
Holtville 34°F
Rainfall
Chelsea 56.2"
Holtville 56.4"
Rainy Days
Chelsea 126d
Holtville 113d