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McCalla, AL vs Theodore, AL

109
McCalla
Alabama
VS
+34.8%
81
Theodore
Alabama

The cost of living difference between McCalla, AL and Theodore, AL is dramatic. Theodore is 34.8% cheaper than McCalla, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McCalla has a cost index of 109 while Theodore sits at 81, 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 McCalla is $1,838/month compared to $1,222/month in Theodore — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Theodore is more affordable at $151,800 median vs $252,800.

Median household income in McCalla is $83,782 compared to $60,764 in Theodore (+37.9%). While McCalla is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of McCalla spend roughly 26.3% of their income on rent, more than the 24.1% in Theodore.

Climate-wise, Theodore is notably warmer with an average of 69.1°F compared to 64.4°F in McCalla. Theodore receives more rainfall at 60.5" per year compared to 56.2" in McCalla.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
McCalla
109
Theodore
81
26% cheaper
Median Household Income
McCalla
$83,782
27% higher
Theodore
$60,764

Housing

Median Rent
McCalla
$1,838
Theodore
$1,222
34% cheaper
Median Home Value
McCalla
$252,800
Theodore
$151,800
40% cheaper
Population
McCalla
13,939
Theodore
4,950

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
McCalla $971
Theodore $841
13% cheaper
1 Bed
McCalla $1,088
Theodore $909
16% cheaper
2 Bed
McCalla $1,208
Theodore $1,079
11% cheaper
3 Bed
McCalla $1,517
Theodore $1,411
7% cheaper
4 Bed
McCalla $1,720
Theodore $1,441
16% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
McCalla 64.4°F
Theodore 69.1°F
Summer High
McCalla 91°F
Theodore 92°F
Winter Low
McCalla 36°F
Theodore 43°F
Rainfall
McCalla 56.2"
Theodore 60.5"
Rainy Days
McCalla 126d
Theodore 133d