Bessemer, AL vs Boaz, AL
Boaz is moderately more affordable than Bessemer, with a 9.4% lower cost of living index. Bessemer scores 71 compared to 65 for Boaz, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Bessemer can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.
On the housing front, median rent in Bessemer is $922/month compared to $645/month in Boaz — a 43% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Boaz has cheaper rent, Bessemer actually has lower median home values ($129,800 vs $158,200).
Median household income in Bessemer is $37,844 compared to $49,962 in Boaz (-24.3%). Boaz offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bessemer spend roughly 29.2% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Boaz.
Climate-wise, Bessemer is notably warmer with an average of 64.4°F compared to 59°F in Boaz. Boaz receives more rainfall at 57.6" per year compared to 56.2" in Bessemer.
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Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)