Chelsea, AL vs Semmes, AL
The cost of living difference between Chelsea, AL and Semmes, AL is dramatic. Semmes is 37.7% cheaper than Chelsea, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chelsea has a cost index of 104 while Semmes sits at 76, 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 $898/month in Semmes — a 62% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Semmes is more affordable at $211,100 median vs $339,400.
Median household income in Chelsea is $110,056 compared to $66,458 in Semmes (+65.6%). 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 Chelsea spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, less than the 16.2% in Semmes.
Climate-wise, Semmes is notably warmer with an average of 67.6°F compared to 64.4°F in Chelsea. Semmes receives more rainfall at 67.1" per year compared to 56.2" in Chelsea.
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)