Cost of Living in Gulf Shores, AL
Population 15,785 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Gulf Shores a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $367,000. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Gulf Shores is about 35 miles southeast of Mobile, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 116% higher than Mobile's $170,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gulf Shores
The median home value in Gulf Shores is $367,000 — 20% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,363/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,873/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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, Gulf Shores has a cost of living index of 114 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% 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 Gulf Shores, AL?
Gulf Shores has a cost index of 114 (100 = national average). It is 14% above the national average.
What is average rent in Gulf Shores, AL?
The median gross rent in Gulf Shores is $1,363 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gulf Shores?
The median home value in Gulf Shores is $367,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gulf Shores?
The median household income in Gulf Shores is $73,873 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gulf Shores, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gulf Shores is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Gulf Shores, AL affordable?
Gulf Shores is above average in cost of living, with an index of 114 — about 14% higher than the national average.
Gulf Shores at a Glance
- Population
- 15,785
- Median Income
- $73,873
- Home Value
- $367,000
- Median Rent
- $1,363/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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