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Marion, AL vs Meadowbrook, AL

56
Marion
Alabama
VS
-45.3%
103
Meadowbrook
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Marion, AL and Meadowbrook, AL is dramatic. Marion is 45.3% cheaper than Meadowbrook, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Marion has a cost index of 56 while Meadowbrook sits at 103, 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 Marion is $533/month compared to $1,276/month in Meadowbrook — a 58% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marion is more affordable at $108,300 median vs $390,100.

Median household income in Marion is $38,221 compared to $145,464 in Meadowbrook (-73.7%). While Meadowbrook is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Marion spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 10.5% in Meadowbrook.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.6°F vs 63.9°F). Meadowbrook receives more rainfall at 56.6" per year compared to 55.4" in Marion.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Marion
56
45% cheaper
Meadowbrook
103
Median Household Income
Marion
$38,221
Meadowbrook
$145,464
74% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Marion
$533
58% cheaper
Meadowbrook
$1,276
Median Home Value
Marion
$108,300
72% cheaper
Meadowbrook
$390,100
Population
Marion
2,994
Meadowbrook
8,939

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Marion $995
Meadowbrook $971
2% cheaper
1 Bed
Marion $1,000
Meadowbrook $1,088
8% cheaper
2 Bed
Marion $1,205
Meadowbrook $1,208
3 Bed
Marion $1,535
Meadowbrook $1,517
1% cheaper
4 Bed
Marion $1,595
Meadowbrook $1,720
7% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Marion 63.6°F
Meadowbrook 63.9°F
Summer High
Marion 91°F
Meadowbrook 91°F
Winter Low
Marion 34°F
Meadowbrook 35°F
Rainfall
Marion 55.4"
Meadowbrook 56.6"
Rainy Days
Marion 108d
Meadowbrook 118d