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Fultondale, AL vs Pelham, AL

84
Fultondale
Alabama
VS
-18.3%
103
Pelham
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fultondale is 18.3% cheaper than Pelham. With a cost index of 84 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fultondale to Pelham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fultondale is $1,214/month compared to $1,573/month in Pelham — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fultondale is more affordable at $181,900 median vs $278,900.

Median household income in Fultondale is $69,127 compared to $91,904 in Pelham (-24.8%). 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 Fultondale spend roughly 21.1% 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). Fultondale receives more rainfall at 56.6" per year compared to 56.2" in Pelham.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Fultondale
84
18% cheaper
Pelham
103
Median Household Income
Fultondale
$69,127
Pelham
$91,904
25% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Fultondale
$1,214
23% cheaper
Pelham
$1,573
Median Home Value
Fultondale
$181,900
35% cheaper
Pelham
$278,900
Population
Fultondale
9,753
Pelham
24,510

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Fultondale $971
Pelham $971
1 Bed
Fultondale $1,088
Pelham $1,088
2 Bed
Fultondale $1,208
Pelham $1,208
3 Bed
Fultondale $1,517
Pelham $1,517
4 Bed
Fultondale $1,720
Pelham $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Fultondale $2.90
Pelham $2.90
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Fultondale $2.37
Pelham $2.37
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Fultondale $3.81
Pelham $3.81
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Fultondale $1.75
Pelham $1.75
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Fultondale $3.92
Pelham $3.92
US $4.14
Electricity
Fultondale $0.17
Pelham $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Fultondale 63.9°F
Pelham 64.4°F
Summer High
Fultondale 91°F
Pelham 91°F
Winter Low
Fultondale 35°F
Pelham 36°F
Rainfall
Fultondale 56.6"
Pelham 56.2"
Rainy Days
Fultondale 118d
Pelham 126d