Dauphin Island, AL vs Wilton, AL

The cost of living difference between Dauphin Island, AL and Wilton, AL is dramatic. Wilton is 107.2% 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 Wilton sits at 56, 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 $391/month in Wilton — a 348% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilton is more affordable at $145,800 median vs $387,400.

Median household income in Dauphin Island is $64,615 compared to $54,000 in Wilton (+19.7%). Dauphin Island does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Dauphin Island spend roughly 32.5% of their income on rent, more than the 8.7% in Wilton. The Wilton 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 64.4°F in Wilton. Dauphin Island receives more rainfall at 61.7" per year compared to 56.2" in Wilton.