Chelsea, AL

Average · 106

Alabama · Population 15,731 · Updated March 2026

$1,456
Median Rent / Month
$110,056
Median Income
$339,400
Median Home Value
$1,545
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Chelsea

15.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Alabama

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.0%
Sales Tax
0.41%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$17,472
Annual Rent
$5,503
State Income Tax
$1,392
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Chelsea is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 106 (where 100 equals the national median), Chelsea residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,456/month while earning a median household income of $110,056/year.

The median home value in Chelsea, AL is $339,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,545 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Alabama has a moderate income tax rate of 5.0%. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 0.41% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Chelsea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Chelsea

What is the cost of living in Chelsea, AL?
The cost of living index in Chelsea, AL is 106 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,456, median household income is $110,056/year, and the median home value is $339,400.
Is Chelsea, AL affordable?
No, Chelsea is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 106. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Chelsea, AL?
The median gross rent in Chelsea, AL is $1,456 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,472.
What is the median household income in Chelsea?
The median household income in Chelsea, AL is $110,056 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Alabama?
Alabama has a top income tax rate of 5.0%, a sales tax of 4.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.41%.