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Gadsden, AL vs Homewood, AL

62
Gadsden
Alabama
VS
-47%
117
Homewood
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Gadsden, AL and Homewood, AL is dramatic. Gadsden is 47% cheaper than Homewood, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Gadsden has a cost index of 62 while Homewood sits at 117, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Gadsden is $787/month compared to $1,457/month in Homewood — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gadsden is more affordable at $101,900 median vs $502,300.

Median household income in Gadsden is $38,699 compared to $108,386 in Homewood (-64.3%). While Homewood 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 16.1% in Homewood.

Climate-wise, Homewood 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 Homewood.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Gadsden
62
47% cheaper
Homewood
117
Median Household Income
Gadsden
$38,699
Homewood
$108,386
64% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Gadsden
$787
46% cheaper
Homewood
$1,457
Median Home Value
Gadsden
$101,900
80% cheaper
Homewood
$502,300
Population
Gadsden
33,617
Homewood
27,697

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

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