Madison is 5% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $131,436
and a population of 58,335.
Helena is 1% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $109,590
and a population of 21,452.
Trussville is 5% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $120,794
and a population of 26,182.
Hoover is 7% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $107,822
and a population of 92,401.
Alabaster is 6% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $90,163
and a population of 33,633.
Chelsea is 4% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $110,056
and a population of 15,731.
Spanish Fort is 4% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $101,574
and a population of 10,377.
Prattville is 14% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $79,396
and a population of 38,850.
Pike Road is 11% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $121,687
and a population of 10,103.
Vestavia Hills is 17% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $129,171
and a population of 38,704.
Clay is 10% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $86,163
and a population of 10,288.
Moody is 5% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $86,389
and a population of 13,378.
Pelham is 3% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $91,904
and a population of 24,510.
Meridianville is 15% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $93,030
and a population of 10,268.
Calera is 5% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $82,441
and a population of 17,188.
How We Rank the Best Places to Live
Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average),
income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau),
housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and
climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates).
Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).
Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the
US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.