Performance
Score Breakdown
Florence
Vestavia Hills
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Florence is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
42% lower compared to Vestavia Hills.
Housing costs are a major driver: Florence's average rent is
55% lower than Vestavia Hills's.
| Metric | Florence | Vestavia Hills | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $895 | $1,995 | -55% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $165 | $180 | -8% |
| Transport | $105 | $120 | -13% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $250 | -40% |
| Monthly Total | $1,735 | $2,995 | -42% |
| Cost Index | 83 | 115 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vestavia Hills offers 27% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Florence delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Florence is estimated at
$41,317 vs $52,560 in Vestavia Hills.
| Metric | Florence | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,714 | $66,812 |
| Salary Needed | $41,317 | $52,560 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,692 idx | 58,097 idx |
| Household Income | $52,174 | $134,369 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Florence | 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 0 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Florence leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Florence | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Florence is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x 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 | Florence | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 42,716 | 40,556 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 2.50% |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 41.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 1.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Florence
Advantages
The cost of living in Florence is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Florence boasts a vibrant arts scene, cultural festivals, and numerous recreational opportunities, enhancing the quality of life.
The city has experienced positive job growth, with employment increasing by 6.33% from 2023 to 2024.
Housing is more affordable in Florence, with median property values and average rents considerably below national figures.
The average commute time of 18.7 minutes is shorter than the national average, contributing to less time spent in traffic.
Drawbacks
Florence's violent crime rate is 35.9% above the national average, posing a concern for safety.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and few bike lanes.
The median household income in Florence is lower than that of the state of Alabama and Lauderdale County.
While overall crime rate dropped, the violent crime rate remains a significant drawback.
The walkability score of 32 indicates that most errands require a car.
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.
Florence
#36Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$895
Avg Salary
$48,714
Cost Index
83
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
65
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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