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Grand Bay, AL vs Shoal Creek, AL

72
Grand Bay
Alabama
VS
-58.8%
175
Shoal Creek
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Grand Bay, AL and Shoal Creek, AL is dramatic. Grand Bay is 58.8% cheaper than Shoal Creek, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Grand Bay has a cost index of 72 while Shoal Creek sits at 175, 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 Grand Bay is $963/month compared to $2,573/month in Shoal Creek — a 63% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Grand Bay is more affordable at $143,800 median vs $787,500.

Median household income in Grand Bay is $62,318 compared to $165,625 in Shoal Creek (-62.4%). While Shoal Creek is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Grand Bay spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, less than the 18.6% in Shoal Creek.

Climate-wise, Grand Bay is notably warmer with an average of 67.8°F compared to 63.9°F in Shoal Creek. Grand Bay receives more rainfall at 61.7" per year compared to 56.6" in Shoal Creek.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Grand Bay
72
59% cheaper
Shoal Creek
175
Median Household Income
Grand Bay
$62,318
Shoal Creek
$165,625
62% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Grand Bay
$963
63% cheaper
Shoal Creek
$2,573
Median Home Value
Grand Bay
$143,800
82% cheaper
Shoal Creek
$787,500
Population
Grand Bay
3,765
Shoal Creek
1,371

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
Grand Bay $841
Shoal Creek $971
13% cheaper
1 Bed
Grand Bay $909
Shoal Creek $1,088
16% cheaper
2 Bed
Grand Bay $1,079
Shoal Creek $1,208
11% cheaper
3 Bed
Grand Bay $1,411
Shoal Creek $1,517
7% cheaper
4 Bed
Grand Bay $1,441
Shoal Creek $1,720
16% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Grand Bay 67.8°F
Shoal Creek 63.9°F
Summer High
Grand Bay 91°F
Shoal Creek 91°F
Winter Low
Grand Bay 41°F
Shoal Creek 35°F
Rainfall
Grand Bay 61.7"
Shoal Creek 56.6"
Rainy Days
Grand Bay 118d
Shoal Creek 118d