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Auburn, AL vs Vestavia Hills, AL

90
Auburn
Alabama
VS
-22.9%
117
Vestavia Hills
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Auburn is 22.9% cheaper than Vestavia Hills. With a cost index of 90 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Auburn to Vestavia Hills should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn is $1,034/month compared to $1,455/month in Vestavia Hills — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Auburn is more affordable at $342,400 median vs $494,500.

Median household income in Auburn is $56,123 compared to $129,171 in Vestavia Hills (-56.6%). 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 Auburn spend roughly 22.1% of their income on rent, more than the 13.5% in Vestavia Hills.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.6°F vs 63.9°F). Vestavia Hills receives more rainfall at 56.6" per year compared to 48.8" in Auburn.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Auburn
90
23% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
117
Median Household Income
Auburn
$56,123
Vestavia Hills
$129,171
57% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Auburn
$1,034
29% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
$1,455
Median Home Value
Auburn
$342,400
31% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
$494,500
Population
Auburn
78,738
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
Auburn $690
Vestavia Hills $971
29% cheaper
1 Bed
Auburn $750
Vestavia Hills $1,088
31% cheaper
2 Bed
Auburn $900
Vestavia Hills $1,208
25% cheaper
3 Bed
Auburn $1,130
Vestavia Hills $1,517
26% cheaper
4 Bed
Auburn $1,430
Vestavia Hills $1,720
17% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Auburn 66.6°F
Vestavia Hills 63.9°F
Summer High
Auburn 93°F
Vestavia Hills 91°F
Winter Low
Auburn 38°F
Vestavia Hills 35°F
Rainfall
Auburn 48.8"
Vestavia Hills 56.6"
Rainy Days
Auburn 109d
Vestavia Hills 118d