Gulf Shores, AL

Average · 102

Alabama · Population 15,785 · Updated March 2026

$1,363
Median Rent / Month
$73,873
Median Income
$367,000
Median Home Value
$1,266
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Gulf Shores

22.1%
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

$16,356
Annual Rent
$3,694
State Income Tax
$1,505
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Gulf Shores has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 102 (where 100 equals the national median), Gulf Shores residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,363/month while earning a median household income of $73,873/year.

The median home value in Gulf Shores, AL is $367,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,266 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% 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 Gulf Shores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Gulf Shores

What is the cost of living in Gulf Shores, AL?
The cost of living index in Gulf Shores, AL is 102 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,363, median household income is $73,873/year, and the median home value is $367,000.
Is Gulf Shores, AL affordable?
No, Gulf Shores is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 102. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Gulf Shores, AL?
The median gross rent in Gulf Shores, AL is $1,363 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,356.
What is the median household income in Gulf Shores?
The median household income in Gulf Shores, AL is $73,873 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%.