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Gadsden, AL vs Gardendale, AL

62
Gadsden
Alabama
VS
-27.8%
86
Gardendale
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Gadsden is 27.8% cheaper than Gardendale. With a cost index of 62 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Gadsden to Gardendale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gadsden is $787/month compared to $1,151/month in Gardendale — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gadsden is more affordable at $101,900 median vs $234,900.

Median household income in Gadsden is $38,699 compared to $81,215 in Gardendale (-52.3%). While Gardendale is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gadsden spend roughly 24.4% of their income on rent, more than the 17% in Gardendale.

Climate-wise, Gardendale is notably warmer with an average of 63.9°F compared to 59°F in Gadsden. Gadsden receives more rainfall at 57.6" per year compared to 56.6" in Gardendale.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Gadsden
62
28% cheaper
Gardendale
86
Median Household Income
Gadsden
$38,699
Gardendale
$81,215
52% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Gadsden
$787
32% cheaper
Gardendale
$1,151
Median Home Value
Gadsden
$101,900
57% cheaper
Gardendale
$234,900
Population
Gadsden
33,617
Gardendale
16,110

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Gadsden $810
Gardendale $971
17% cheaper
1 Bed
Gadsden $917
Gardendale $1,088
16% cheaper
2 Bed
Gadsden $1,050
Gardendale $1,208
13% cheaper
3 Bed
Gadsden $1,303
Gardendale $1,517
14% cheaper
4 Bed
Gadsden $1,473
Gardendale $1,720
14% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Gadsden 59°F
Gardendale 63.9°F
Summer High
Gadsden 87°F
Gardendale 91°F
Winter Low
Gadsden 31°F
Gardendale 35°F
Rainfall
Gadsden 57.6"
Gardendale 56.6"
Rainy Days
Gadsden 125d
Gardendale 118d