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Ray, AL vs Union, AL

83
Ray
Alabama
VS
-13.5%
96
Union
Alabama

Ray is moderately more affordable than Union, with a 13.5% lower cost of living index. Ray scores 83 compared to 96 for Union, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Union can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

Median household income in Ray is $68,487 compared to $20,000 in Union (+242.4%). Ray offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63°F vs 64°F). Union receives more rainfall at 60" per year compared to 56.4" in Ray.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Ray
83
14% cheaper
Union
96
Median Household Income
Ray
$68,487
71% higher
Union
$20,000

Housing

Median Rent
Ray
Union
Median Home Value
Ray
$142,800
Union
Population
Ray
488
Union
172

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Ray $835
Union $995
16% cheaper
1 Bed
Ray $867
Union $1,000
13% cheaper
2 Bed
Ray $1,029
Union $1,205
15% cheaper
3 Bed
Ray $1,309
Union $1,535
15% cheaper
4 Bed
Ray $1,585
Union $1,595
1% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Ray 63°F
Union 64°F
Summer High
Ray 90°F
Union 91°F
Winter Low
Ray 34°F
Union 35°F
Rainfall
Ray 56.4"
Union 60"
Rainy Days
Ray 113d
Union 109d