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Clay, AL vs Grand Bay, AL

90
Clay
Alabama
VS
+24.9%
72
Grand Bay
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Grand Bay is 24.9% cheaper than Clay. With a cost index of 72 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Grand Bay to Clay should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clay is $1,373/month compared to $963/month in Grand Bay — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Grand Bay is more affordable at $143,800 median vs $198,400.

Median household income in Clay is $86,163 compared to $62,318 in Grand Bay (+38.3%). While Clay is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clay spend roughly 19.1% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in Grand Bay.

Climate-wise, Grand Bay is notably warmer with an average of 67.8°F compared to 63.9°F in Clay. Grand Bay receives more rainfall at 61.7" per year compared to 56.6" in Clay.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Clay
90
Grand Bay
72
20% cheaper
Median Household Income
Clay
$86,163
28% higher
Grand Bay
$62,318

Housing

Median Rent
Clay
$1,373
Grand Bay
$963
30% cheaper
Median Home Value
Clay
$198,400
Grand Bay
$143,800
28% cheaper
Population
Clay
10,288
Grand Bay
3,765

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Clay 63.9°F
Grand Bay 67.8°F
Summer High
Clay 91°F
Grand Bay 91°F
Winter Low
Clay 35°F
Grand Bay 41°F
Rainfall
Clay 56.6"
Grand Bay 61.7"
Rainy Days
Clay 118d
Grand Bay 118d