New Albany, MS vs Water Valley, MS
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Water Valley is 24.3% cheaper than New Albany. With a cost index of 59 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Water Valley to New Albany should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in New Albany is $956/month compared to $592/month in Water Valley — a 62% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Water Valley is more affordable at $111,000 median vs $150,000.
Median household income in New Albany is $46,276 compared to $47,167 in Water Valley (-1.9%). Water Valley offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of New Albany spend roughly 24.8% of their income on rent, more than the 15.1% in Water Valley.
Climate-wise, New Albany is notably warmer with an average of 63.6°F compared to 59.6°F in Water Valley. New Albany receives more rainfall at 57.7" per year compared to 55.5" in Water Valley.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)