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Forestdale, AL vs Pelham, AL

78
Forestdale
Alabama
VS
-24.4%
103
Pelham
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Forestdale is 24.4% cheaper than Pelham. With a cost index of 78 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Forestdale to Pelham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Forestdale is $1,094/month compared to $1,573/month in Pelham — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Forestdale is more affordable at $150,700 median vs $278,900.

Median household income in Forestdale is $57,145 compared to $91,904 in Pelham (-37.8%). While Pelham is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Forestdale spend roughly 23% of their income on rent, more than the 20.5% in Pelham.

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

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Forestdale
78
24% cheaper
Pelham
103
Median Household Income
Forestdale
$57,145
Pelham
$91,904
38% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Forestdale
$1,094
30% cheaper
Pelham
$1,573
Median Home Value
Forestdale
$150,700
46% cheaper
Pelham
$278,900
Population
Forestdale
9,149
Pelham
24,510

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Forestdale $971
Pelham $971
1 Bed
Forestdale $1,088
Pelham $1,088
2 Bed
Forestdale $1,208
Pelham $1,208
3 Bed
Forestdale $1,517
Pelham $1,517
4 Bed
Forestdale $1,720
Pelham $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

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