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Clay, AL vs Homewood, AL

90
Clay
Alabama
VS
-23.4%
117
Homewood
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Clay is 23.4% cheaper than Homewood. With a cost index of 90 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Clay to Homewood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clay is $1,373/month compared to $1,457/month in Homewood — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clay is more affordable at $198,400 median vs $502,300.

Median household income in Clay is $86,163 compared to $108,386 in Homewood (-20.5%). The higher salaries in Homewood partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Clay spend roughly 19.1% of their income on rent, more than the 16.1% in Homewood.

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

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Clay
90
23% cheaper
Homewood
117
Median Household Income
Clay
$86,163
Homewood
$108,386
21% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Clay
$1,373
6% cheaper
Homewood
$1,457
Median Home Value
Clay
$198,400
61% cheaper
Homewood
$502,300
Population
Clay
10,288
Homewood
27,697

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
Homewood $971
1 Bed
Clay $1,088
Homewood $1,088
2 Bed
Clay $1,208
Homewood $1,208
3 Bed
Clay $1,517
Homewood $1,517
4 Bed
Clay $1,720
Homewood $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Clay 63.9°F
Homewood 63.9°F
Summer High
Clay 91°F
Homewood 91°F
Winter Low
Clay 35°F
Homewood 35°F
Rainfall
Clay 56.6"
Homewood 56.6"
Rainy Days
Clay 118d
Homewood 118d