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City Report · AL

Gulf Shores

Pop. 16,401·11th most expensive in Alabama·Gulf Shores rents are up 30.3% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,830/mo
Year-over-Year
+30.3%
Month-over-Month
+9.5%
vs US Median
-$135
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Gulf Shores · $1,830
More affordable than 52% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
28% of income
AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,830/mo, rent takes about 28% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$73,000/yr
Local median income
$78,188/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Gulf Shores's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,000
1 BR
$1,070
2 BR
$1,280
3 BR
$1,590
4 BR+
$2,030
Research median
$1,280/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$21,960/yr
At $1,830/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 30.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+30.3% YoY, +9.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Gulf Shores, AL is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 39.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
16,401
Median income
$78,188
Median age
50.8
Renters
29.4%
Age distribution
17.4%
15%
26.9%
14.9%
25.9%
Under 1817.4%
18–3415%
35–5426.9%
55–6414.9%
65+25.9%
Gender
44.1%
55.9%
Male44.1%
Female55.9%
Race & ethnicity
88.8%
White88.8%
Black2.7%
Hispanic6.1%
Asian1.1%
Other1.3%
Education (25+)
20.6%
36.8%
39.9%
No HS diploma2.8%
HS diploma20.6%
Some college36.8%
Bachelor's+39.9%
Housing tenure
70.6%
29.4%
Owner70.6%
Renter29.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Gulf Shores, AL has changed in 5 years

Income
$53,048 → $78,188
up 47.4%
Population
14,712 → 16,401
up 11.5%
Renter share
40.2% → 29.4%
-10.8 pts
Bachelor's+
34.9% → 39.9%
+5.0 pts
Median age
50 → 50.8
+0.8 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in Gulf Shores, AL now reports about $78,188, up from $53,048 in 2021. Census counts show Gulf Shores, AL adding about 1,689 residents over the five-year window, up 11.5% on net. The renter share has eased from 40.2% to 29.4%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 34.9% to 39.9% across the same window.

Community

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View Gulf Shores rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Gulf Shores on your salary?

At $1,830/mo, how Gulf Shores rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Gulf Shores rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Gulf Shores. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Gulf Shores

About renting in Gulf Shores, AL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Gulf Shores is $1,830/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,000/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,280/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,070/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,590/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($78,188/yr), Gulf Shores ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 30.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Gulf Shores an affordable city for renters?

Gulf Shores is considered affordable for renters. At $1,830/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($78,188/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Gulf Shores falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Gulf Shores?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $73,000/year (~$35/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,830/mo in Gulf Shores. The local median household income is $78,188/yr, meaning the typical Gulf Shores household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Gulf Shores?

Rent in Gulf Shores has increased 30.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Gulf Shores rent compare to other cities in Alabama?

Gulf Shores is one of the pricier cities in Alabama for rent, ranking #11 out of 70 tracked cities at $1,830/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Gulf Shores?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Gulf Shores ($1,830/mo): Daphne ($1,556/mo), Spanish Fort ($1,666/mo), Foley ($1,707/mo).

What percentage of Gulf Shores residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 29.4% of Gulf Shores households are renters, while 70.6% are owner-occupied. Gulf Shores leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Gulf Shores rent compare to the national average?

Gulf Shores's median rent of $1,830/mo is $135 (7%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Alabama, it ranks #11 out of 70 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,830/mo, rent takes ~28% of Gulf Shores's median household income ($78,188/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Gulf Shores 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5%
Run the Gulf Shores affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Gulf Shores, AL

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