Fayette, AL vs Valley, AL
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fayette is 18.4% cheaper than Valley. With a cost index of 59 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fayette to Valley should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Fayette is $589/month compared to $1,024/month in Valley — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fayette is more affordable at $122,100 median vs $130,500.
Median household income in Fayette is $38,009 compared to $55,422 in Valley (-31.4%). While Valley is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fayette spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, less than the 22.2% in Valley.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.5°F vs 66.6°F). Fayette receives more rainfall at 53.5" per year compared to 48.8" in Valley.
Income & Cost
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)