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Irondale, AL vs Vestavia Hills, AL

88
Irondale
Alabama
VS
-24.4%
117
Vestavia Hills
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Irondale is 24.4% cheaper than Vestavia Hills. With a cost index of 88 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Irondale to Vestavia Hills should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Irondale is $1,177/month compared to $1,455/month in Vestavia Hills — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Irondale is more affordable at $250,000 median vs $494,500.

Median household income in Irondale is $71,240 compared to $129,171 in Vestavia Hills (-44.8%). 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 Irondale spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, more than the 13.5% in Vestavia Hills.

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

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Irondale
88
24% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
117
Median Household Income
Irondale
$71,240
Vestavia Hills
$129,171
45% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Irondale
$1,177
19% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
$1,455
Median Home Value
Irondale
$250,000
49% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
$494,500
Population
Irondale
13,462
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
Irondale $971
Vestavia Hills $971
1 Bed
Irondale $1,088
Vestavia Hills $1,088
2 Bed
Irondale $1,208
Vestavia Hills $1,208
3 Bed
Irondale $1,517
Vestavia Hills $1,517
4 Bed
Irondale $1,720
Vestavia Hills $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Irondale 63.9°F
Vestavia Hills 63.9°F
Summer High
Irondale 91°F
Vestavia Hills 91°F
Winter Low
Irondale 35°F
Vestavia Hills 35°F
Rainfall
Irondale 56.6"
Vestavia Hills 56.6"
Rainy Days
Irondale 118d
Vestavia Hills 118d