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Forestdale, AL vs Union Springs, AL

78
Forestdale
Alabama
VS
+36.3%
57
Union Springs
Alabama

The cost of living difference between Forestdale, AL and Union Springs, AL is dramatic. Union Springs is 36.3% cheaper than Forestdale, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Forestdale has a cost index of 78 while Union Springs sits at 57, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Forestdale is $1,094/month compared to $659/month in Union Springs — a 66% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union Springs is more affordable at $77,300 median vs $150,700.

Median household income in Forestdale is $57,145 compared to $25,828 in Union Springs (+121.3%). While Forestdale 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, less than the 30.6% in Union Springs. The Forestdale ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.9°F vs 64.8°F). Forestdale receives more rainfall at 56.6" per year compared to 52.1" in Union Springs.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Forestdale
78
Union Springs
57
27% cheaper
Median Household Income
Forestdale
$57,145
55% higher
Union Springs
$25,828

Housing

Median Rent
Forestdale
$1,094
Union Springs
$659
40% cheaper
Median Home Value
Forestdale
$150,700
Union Springs
$77,300
49% cheaper
Population
Forestdale
9,149
Union Springs
3,287

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Forestdale $971
Union Springs $690
29% cheaper
1 Bed
Forestdale $1,088
Union Springs $750
31% cheaper
2 Bed
Forestdale $1,208
Union Springs $900
25% cheaper
3 Bed
Forestdale $1,517
Union Springs $1,130
26% cheaper
4 Bed
Forestdale $1,720
Union Springs $1,430
17% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Forestdale 63.9°F
Union Springs 64.8°F
Summer High
Forestdale 91°F
Union Springs 91°F
Winter Low
Forestdale 35°F
Union Springs 36°F
Rainfall
Forestdale 56.6"
Union Springs 52.1"
Rainy Days
Forestdale 118d
Union Springs 126d