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Chelsea, AL vs Margaret, AL

104
Chelsea
Alabama
VS
+34.7%
77
Margaret
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Chelsea, AL and Margaret, AL is dramatic. Margaret is 34.7% cheaper than Chelsea, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chelsea has a cost index of 104 while Margaret sits at 77, 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 Chelsea is $1,456/month compared to $881/month in Margaret — a 65% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Margaret is more affordable at $224,700 median vs $339,400.

Median household income in Chelsea is $110,056 compared to $97,075 in Margaret (+13.4%). Chelsea does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Chelsea spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, more than the 10.9% in Margaret.

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

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Chelsea
104
Margaret
77
26% cheaper
Median Household Income
Chelsea
$110,056
12% higher
Margaret
$97,075

Housing

Median Rent
Chelsea
$1,456
Margaret
$881
39% cheaper
Median Home Value
Chelsea
$339,400
Margaret
$224,700
34% cheaper
Population
Chelsea
15,731
Margaret
5,538

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

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