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Southside, AL vs Union Springs, AL

81
Southside
Alabama
VS
+42.2%
57
Union Springs
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Southside, AL and Union Springs, AL is dramatic. Union Springs is 42.2% cheaper than Southside, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Southside has a cost index of 81 while Union Springs sits at 57, 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 Southside is $1,131/month compared to $659/month in Union Springs — a 72% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union Springs is more affordable at $77,300 median vs $202,900.

Median household income in Southside is $73,695 compared to $25,828 in Union Springs (+185.3%). While Southside is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Southside spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, less than the 30.6% in Union Springs. The Southside ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (62.3°F vs 64.8°F). Southside receives more rainfall at 52.2" per year compared to 52.1" in Union Springs.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Southside
81
Union Springs
57
30% cheaper
Median Household Income
Southside
$73,695
65% higher
Union Springs
$25,828

Housing

Median Rent
Southside
$1,131
Union Springs
$659
42% cheaper
Median Home Value
Southside
$202,900
Union Springs
$77,300
62% cheaper
Population
Southside
9,407
Union Springs
3,287

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Southside $810
Union Springs $690
15% cheaper
1 Bed
Southside $917
Union Springs $750
18% cheaper
2 Bed
Southside $1,050
Union Springs $900
14% cheaper
3 Bed
Southside $1,303
Union Springs $1,130
13% cheaper
4 Bed
Southside $1,473
Union Springs $1,430
3% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Southside 62.3°F
Union Springs 64.8°F
Summer High
Southside 90°F
Union Springs 91°F
Winter Low
Southside 33°F
Union Springs 36°F
Rainfall
Southside 52.2"
Union Springs 52.1"
Rainy Days
Southside 116d
Union Springs 126d