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Cottondale, AL vs Pinson, AL

68
Cottondale
Alabama
VS
-24.7%
91
Pinson
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Cottondale is 24.7% cheaper than Pinson. With a cost index of 68 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Cottondale to Pinson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cottondale is $904/month compared to $1,406/month in Pinson — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cottondale is more affordable at $118,600 median vs $194,300.

Median household income in Cottondale is $44,250 compared to $80,349 in Pinson (-44.9%). While Pinson is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cottondale spend roughly 24.5% of their income on rent, more than the 21% in Pinson.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.3°F vs 63.9°F). Cottondale receives more rainfall at 57.3" per year compared to 56.6" in Pinson.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Cottondale
68
25% cheaper
Pinson
91
Median Household Income
Cottondale
$44,250
Pinson
$80,349
45% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Cottondale
$904
36% cheaper
Pinson
$1,406
Median Home Value
Cottondale
$118,600
39% cheaper
Pinson
$194,300
Population
Cottondale
2,850
Pinson
7,851

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
Cottondale $995
Pinson $971
2% cheaper
1 Bed
Cottondale $1,000
Pinson $1,088
8% cheaper
2 Bed
Cottondale $1,205
Pinson $1,208
3 Bed
Cottondale $1,535
Pinson $1,517
1% cheaper
4 Bed
Cottondale $1,595
Pinson $1,720
7% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Cottondale 64.3°F
Pinson 63.9°F
Summer High
Cottondale 92°F
Pinson 91°F
Winter Low
Cottondale 35°F
Pinson 35°F
Rainfall
Cottondale 57.3"
Pinson 56.6"
Rainy Days
Cottondale 115d
Pinson 118d