Dauphin Island, AL vs Ivalee, AL
The cost of living difference between Dauphin Island, AL and Ivalee, AL is dramatic. Ivalee is 88.3% cheaper than Dauphin Island, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dauphin Island has a cost index of 116 while Ivalee sits at 62, 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 Dauphin Island is $1,750/month compared to $711/month in Ivalee — a 146% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ivalee is more affordable at $120,800 median vs $387,400.
Median household income in Dauphin Island is $64,615 compared to $38,650 in Ivalee (+67.2%). The higher salaries in Dauphin Island partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Dauphin Island spend roughly 32.5% of their income on rent, more than the 22.1% in Ivalee. The Ivalee ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.
Climate-wise, Dauphin Island is notably warmer with an average of 67.8°F compared to 59°F in Ivalee. Dauphin Island receives more rainfall at 61.7" per year compared to 57.6" in Ivalee.
Income & Cost
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)