Performance
Score Breakdown
Birmingham
Vestavia Hills
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Birmingham is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
40% lower compared to Vestavia Hills.
| Metric | Birmingham | Vestavia Hills | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,810 | $1,995 | -9% |
| Groceries | $0 | $450 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $180 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,810 | $2,995 | -40% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 115 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vestavia Hills offers 9% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Birmingham delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
| Metric | Birmingham | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $60,834 | $66,812 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $52,560 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,130 idx | 58,097 idx |
| Household Income | $46,051 | $134,369 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Birmingham | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Birmingham scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Birmingham leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Birmingham | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 46.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 85.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Birmingham is the larger city
— approximately 4.8x the population of Vestavia Hills.
From a growth perspective, Vestavia Hills is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Vestavia Hills has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Birmingham | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,357 | 40,556 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 2.50% |
| Median Age | 35.6 | 41.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 1.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Birmingham
Advantages
Birmingham boasts a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average.
The city has a robust and diversifying job market, particularly in healthcare, finance, and technology.
Birmingham offers a nationally recognized culinary scene with numerous acclaimed restaurants.
The median home value in Birmingham is considerably lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Birmingham has a high walkability score, indicating many pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
Drawbacks
Birmingham's crime rates are significantly higher than the Alabama average.
The median rent in Birmingham is 56% above the national median.
Public transportation usage is low, with most residents relying on personal vehicles.
Assisted living expenses in Birmingham are exceptionally high compared to state and national averages.
The city has experienced a population decrease in recent decades.
Vestavia Hills
Advantages
Vestavia Hills boasts a crime rate 51% below the national average as of 2026, making it a very safe community.
The city's public schools are highly rated, contributing to its reputation as an excellent place for families.
The median household income of $134,369 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic prosperity.
Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with a livability score of 83/100, placing it in the 97th percentile of cities.
The average commute time of 19.3 minutes is shorter than the national average, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Vestavia Hills is notably higher than the national average, particularly for housing.
Walkability in Vestavia Hills is low, with a walk score of 0/100, indicating high car dependency.
Public transportation options are limited, requiring most residents to rely on personal vehicles for commuting and daily errands.
While overall crime is low, the robbery rate in Vestavia Hills is 28% above the national average as of 2026.
The city's amenities score is rated 'F' by one source, suggesting potential limitations in certain recreational or service offerings.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Birmingham
#30Alabama, USA
71.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,810
Avg Salary
$60,834
Cost Index
88
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
46.0/10
Walkability
85.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
67
Business
0
Vestavia Hills
#7Alabama, USA
80.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,995
Avg Salary
$66,812
Cost Index
115
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
1.80%
Livability
83
Business
75
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