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Chelsea, AL vs Semmes, AL

104
Chelsea
Alabama
VS
+37.7%
76
Semmes
Alabama

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.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Chelsea
104
Semmes
76
27% cheaper
Median Household Income
Chelsea
$110,056
40% higher
Semmes
$66,458

Housing

Median Rent
Chelsea
$1,456
Semmes
$898
38% cheaper
Median Home Value
Chelsea
$339,400
Semmes
$211,100
38% cheaper
Population
Chelsea
15,731
Semmes
5,404

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Chelsea $971
Semmes $841
13% cheaper
1 Bed
Chelsea $1,088
Semmes $909
16% cheaper
2 Bed
Chelsea $1,208
Semmes $1,079
11% cheaper
3 Bed
Chelsea $1,517
Semmes $1,411
7% cheaper
4 Bed
Chelsea $1,720
Semmes $1,441
16% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Chelsea 64.4°F
Semmes 67.6°F
Summer High
Chelsea 91°F
Semmes 91°F
Winter Low
Chelsea 36°F
Semmes 41°F
Rainfall
Chelsea 56.2"
Semmes 67.1"
Rainy Days
Chelsea 126d
Semmes 117d