Elmore, AL vs Fayette, AL
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fayette is 17.4% cheaper than Elmore. With a cost index of 59 vs 69, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fayette to Elmore should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Elmore is $986/month compared to $589/month in Fayette — a 67% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Fayette has cheaper rent, Elmore actually has lower median home values ($97,000 vs $122,100).
Median household income in Elmore is $33,958 compared to $38,009 in Fayette (-10.7%). Fayette offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elmore spend roughly 34.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.6% in Fayette. The Fayette ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.4°F vs 64.5°F). Fayette receives more rainfall at 53.5" per year compared to 51.2" in Elmore.
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Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)