2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Gulf Shores, AL vs Marion, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Marion or is it cheaper to live in Gulf Shores?
- Marion is 13.4% less expensive than Gulf Shores.

Which city has more affordable housing, Marion or Gulf Shores?
- Marion housing costs are 39.1% less expensive than Gulf Shores housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Gulf Shores or is Health Care more affordable in Marion.
- Health related expenses are 11.4% less in Marion.
 Gulf Shores, ALMarion, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock81.8100
 Food & Groceries100.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.3100
 Housing116.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$232,000$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock71.6100
 Miscellaneous84.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Gulf Shores    6 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Owned a place there for 20 years and spend a few weeks each season there. Heading back in a few weeks! Lows: Spotty internet for work. Saturday traffic. Hurricanes.  More

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I know that there are a few people out there that would just as soon throw rotten tomatoes at me for saying what I’m about to say, but I hate, hate, HATE living in Gulf  More

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Over 14 years ago

Gulf Shores offers many sunny days, compared to the rest of Baldwin County.  More

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Reviews for Marion    3 Reviews

I've lived in Marion for ~22 years now, and it has its pros (+) and cons (-): + Marion is one of the safest places to live in the country. + The cost of living vs  More

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Over 15 years ago

Marion is clean, affordable and has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. The people here are friendly and helpful. Marion shares a border with Cedar Rapids  More

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Marion is one of the fastest growing communities in Iowa. We have a highly educated workforce, affordable housing, low crime and excellent education. Plus, there is much  More

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