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Pelham, AL vs Vestavia Hills, AL

103
Pelham
Alabama
VS
-12.1%
117
Vestavia Hills
Alabama

Pelham is moderately more affordable than Vestavia Hills, with a 12.1% lower cost of living index. Pelham scores 103 compared to 117 for Vestavia Hills, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Vestavia Hills can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Pelham is $1,573/month compared to $1,455/month in Vestavia Hills — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Vestavia Hills has cheaper rent, Pelham actually has lower median home values ($278,900 vs $494,500).

Median household income in Pelham is $91,904 compared to $129,171 in Vestavia Hills (-28.9%). 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 Pelham spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, more than the 13.5% in Vestavia Hills.

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

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Pelham
103
12% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
117
Median Household Income
Pelham
$91,904
Vestavia Hills
$129,171
29% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Pelham
$1,573
Vestavia Hills
$1,455
8% cheaper
Median Home Value
Pelham
$278,900
44% cheaper
Vestavia Hills
$494,500
Population
Pelham
24,510
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
Pelham $971
Vestavia Hills $971
1 Bed
Pelham $1,088
Vestavia Hills $1,088
2 Bed
Pelham $1,208
Vestavia Hills $1,208
3 Bed
Pelham $1,517
Vestavia Hills $1,517
4 Bed
Pelham $1,720
Vestavia Hills $1,720

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

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