Performance
Score Breakdown
Gadsden
Vestavia Hills
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
39% lower compared to Vestavia Hills.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gadsden's average rent is
65% lower than Vestavia Hills's.
| Metric | Gadsden | Vestavia Hills | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $700 | $1,995 | -65% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $283 | $180 | +57% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,833 | $2,995 | -39% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 115 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vestavia Hills offers 34% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Vestavia Hills delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Gadsden is estimated at
$50,000 vs $52,560 in Vestavia Hills.
| Metric | Gadsden | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,346 | $66,812 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $52,560 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,172 idx | 58,097 idx |
| Household Income | $40,345 | $134,369 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Gadsden | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Gadsden leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gadsden | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 25.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vestavia Hills is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Gadsden.
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 | Gadsden | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,374 | 40,556 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 2.50% |
| Median Age | 38.6 | 41.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 1.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gadsden
Advantages
Median home sale price of $165,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Overall cost of living is 15% lower than the national average.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $700 per month (June 2026), offering affordable rental options.
Home to two hospitals, Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Riverview Regional Medical Center, offering top-rated programs and quality care.
Features a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, providing varied weather experiences throughout the year.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate is 49% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 62% higher.
The city is considered car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 25, meaning most errands require a car.
Median household income of $40,345 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Population has experienced a negative growth rate of -1.2% annually between 2019 and 2024.
Utility costs, particularly electricity, are higher than the national average.
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.
Gadsden
#40Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$44,346
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
25.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
58
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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