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Alabaster, AL vs Vestavia Hills, AL

94
Alabaster
Alabama
VS
-19.8%
117
Vestavia Hills
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alabaster is 19.8% cheaper than Vestavia Hills. With a cost index of 94 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alabaster to Vestavia Hills should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alabaster is $1,375/month compared to $1,455/month in Vestavia Hills — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alabaster is more affordable at $242,600 median vs $494,500.

Median household income in Alabaster is $90,163 compared to $129,171 in Vestavia Hills (-30.2%). While Vestavia Hills is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alabaster spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 13.5% in Vestavia Hills.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 63.9°F). Vestavia Hills receives more rainfall at 56.6" per year compared to 56.2" in Alabaster.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Alabaster
94
20% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
117
Median Household Income
Alabaster
$90,163
Vestavia Hills
$129,171
30% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Alabaster
$1,375
5% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
$1,455
Median Home Value
Alabaster
$242,600
51% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
$494,500
Population
Alabaster
33,633
Vestavia Hills
38,704

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Alabaster $971
Vestavia Hills $971
1 Bed
Alabaster $1,088
Vestavia Hills $1,088
2 Bed
Alabaster $1,208
Vestavia Hills $1,208
3 Bed
Alabaster $1,517
Vestavia Hills $1,517
4 Bed
Alabaster $1,720
Vestavia Hills $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Alabaster $2.90
Vestavia Hills $2.90
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Alabaster $2.37
Vestavia Hills $2.37
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Alabaster $3.81
Vestavia Hills $3.81
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Alabaster $1.75
Vestavia Hills $1.75
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Alabaster $3.92
Vestavia Hills $3.92
US $4.14
Electricity
Alabaster $0.17
Vestavia Hills $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Alabaster 64.4°F
Vestavia Hills 63.9°F
Summer High
Alabaster 91°F
Vestavia Hills 91°F
Winter Low
Alabaster 36°F
Vestavia Hills 35°F
Rainfall
Alabaster 56.2"
Vestavia Hills 56.6"
Rainy Days
Alabaster 126d
Vestavia Hills 118d