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Lake View, AL vs Valley, AL

87
Lake View
Alabama
VS
+19.5%
72
Valley
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Valley is 19.5% cheaper than Lake View. With a cost index of 72 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Valley to Lake View should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lake View is $1,022/month compared to $1,024/month in Valley — a 0% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lake View has cheaper rent, Valley actually has lower median home values ($130,500 vs $285,700).

Median household income in Lake View is $96,409 compared to $55,422 in Valley (+74%). While Lake View is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lake View spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 22.2% in Valley.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 66.6°F). Lake View receives more rainfall at 56.2" per year compared to 48.8" in Valley.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Lake View
87
Valley
72
16% cheaper
Median Household Income
Lake View
$96,409
43% higher
Valley
$55,422

Housing

Median Rent
Lake View
$1,022
Valley
$1,024
Median Home Value
Lake View
$285,700
Valley
$130,500
54% cheaper
Population
Lake View
4,238
Valley
10,406

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
Lake View $971
Valley $690
29% cheaper
1 Bed
Lake View $1,088
Valley $750
31% cheaper
2 Bed
Lake View $1,208
Valley $900
25% cheaper
3 Bed
Lake View $1,517
Valley $1,130
26% cheaper
4 Bed
Lake View $1,720
Valley $1,430
17% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Lake View 64.4°F
Valley 66.6°F
Summer High
Lake View 91°F
Valley 93°F
Winter Low
Lake View 36°F
Valley 38°F
Rainfall
Lake View 56.2"
Valley 48.8"
Rainy Days
Lake View 126d
Valley 109d