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Mountain Brook, AL vs Vestavia Hills, AL

149
Mountain Brook
Alabama
VS
+27.6%
117
Vestavia Hills
Alabama

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Vestavia Hills is 27.6% cheaper than Mountain Brook. With a cost index of 117 vs 149, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Vestavia Hills to Mountain Brook should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Mountain Brook is $1,444/month compared to $1,455/month in Vestavia Hills — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Mountain Brook has cheaper rent, Vestavia Hills actually has lower median home values ($494,500 vs $891,300).

Median household income in Mountain Brook is $191,128 compared to $129,171 in Vestavia Hills (+48%). While Mountain Brook is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Mountain Brook spend roughly 9.1% of their income on rent, less 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 Mountain Brook.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Mountain Brook
149
Vestavia Hills
117
22% cheaper
Median Household Income
Mountain Brook
$191,128
32% higher
Vestavia Hills
$129,171

Housing

Median Rent
Mountain Brook
$1,444
1% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
$1,455
Median Home Value
Mountain Brook
$891,300
Vestavia Hills
$494,500
45% cheaper
Population
Mountain Brook
22,160
Vestavia Hills
38,704

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Mountain Brook $971
Vestavia Hills $971
1 Bed
Mountain Brook $1,088
Vestavia Hills $1,088
2 Bed
Mountain Brook $1,208
Vestavia Hills $1,208
3 Bed
Mountain Brook $1,517
Vestavia Hills $1,517
4 Bed
Mountain Brook $1,720
Vestavia Hills $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

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