Cost of Living in Forestdale, AL
Population 9,149 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Forestdale a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $151,000. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 7 miles northwest of Birmingham, Forestdale falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Forestdale
The median home value in Forestdale is $150,700 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,094/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,145/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Forestdale has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
Forestdale has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forestdale, AL?
Forestdale has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Forestdale, AL?
The median gross rent in Forestdale is $1,094 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forestdale?
The median home value in Forestdale is $150,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Forestdale?
The median household income in Forestdale is $57,145 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forestdale, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forestdale is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Forestdale, AL affordable?
Yes, Forestdale is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
Forestdale at a Glance
- Population
- 9,149
- Median Income
- $57,145
- Home Value
- $150,700
- Median Rent
- $1,094/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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