Dauphin Island, AL vs Semmes, AL

The cost of living difference between Dauphin Island, AL and Semmes, AL is dramatic. Semmes is 53.3% 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 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 Dauphin Island is $1,750/month compared to $898/month in Semmes — a 95% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Semmes is more affordable at $211,100 median vs $387,400.

Median household income in Dauphin Island is $64,615 compared to $66,458 in Semmes (-2.8%). Semmes offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Dauphin Island spend roughly 32.5% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in Semmes. The Semmes ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.8°F vs 67.6°F). Semmes receives more rainfall at 67.1" per year compared to 61.7" in Dauphin Island.