Cost of Living in Chelsea, AL
Population 15,731 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chelsea is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 36 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($339,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access.
Located 20 miles southeast of Birmingham, Chelsea falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 145% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chelsea
The median home value in Chelsea is $339,400 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,456/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $110,056/year is 48% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Chelsea has a cost of living index of 111 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chelsea, AL?
Chelsea has a cost index of 111 (100 = national average). It is 11% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chelsea, AL?
The median gross rent in Chelsea is $1,456 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea is $339,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chelsea?
The median household income in Chelsea is $110,056 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chelsea, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chelsea is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Chelsea, AL affordable?
Chelsea is above average in cost of living, with an index of 111 — about 11% higher than the national average.
Chelsea at a Glance
- Population
- 15,731
- Median Income
- $110,056
- Home Value
- $339,400
- Median Rent
- $1,456/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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