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Montevallo, AL vs Selma, AL

77
Montevallo
Alabama
VS
+24.3%
62
Selma
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Selma is 24.3% cheaper than Montevallo. With a cost index of 62 vs 77, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Selma to Montevallo should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Montevallo is $906/month compared to $723/month in Selma — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Selma is more affordable at $102,500 median vs $210,400.

Median household income in Montevallo is $54,665 compared to $32,184 in Selma (+69.9%). While Montevallo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Montevallo spend roughly 19.9% of their income on rent, less than the 27% in Selma.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 64.2°F). Montevallo receives more rainfall at 56.2" per year compared to 53.4" in Selma.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Montevallo
77
Selma
62
20% cheaper
Median Household Income
Montevallo
$54,665
41% higher
Selma
$32,184

Housing

Median Rent
Montevallo
$906
Selma
$723
20% cheaper
Median Home Value
Montevallo
$210,400
Selma
$102,500
51% cheaper
Population
Montevallo
7,429
Selma
17,442

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Montevallo $971
Selma $835
14% cheaper
1 Bed
Montevallo $1,088
Selma $867
20% cheaper
2 Bed
Montevallo $1,208
Selma $1,029
15% cheaper
3 Bed
Montevallo $1,517
Selma $1,309
14% cheaper
4 Bed
Montevallo $1,720
Selma $1,585
8% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Montevallo 64.4°F
Selma 64.2°F
Summer High
Montevallo 91°F
Selma 91°F
Winter Low
Montevallo 36°F
Selma 35°F
Rainfall
Montevallo 56.2"
Selma 53.4"
Rainy Days
Montevallo 126d
Selma 107d