Fairfield, AL vs Pelham, AL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairfield is 29.7% cheaper than Pelham. With a cost index of 72 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairfield to Pelham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairfield is $997/month compared to $1,573/month in Pelham — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfield is more affordable at $120,100 median vs $278,900.

Median household income in Fairfield is $48,492 compared to $91,904 in Pelham (-47.2%). While Pelham is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfield spend roughly 24.7% of their income on rent, more than the 20.5% in Pelham.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.9°F vs 64.4°F). Fairfield receives more rainfall at 56.6" per year compared to 56.2" in Pelham.