Cost of Living in Gardendale, AL
Population 16,110 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Gardendale is a smaller Alabama community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $81,215 and housing costs ($235,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Gardendale sits roughly 10 miles north of Birmingham — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 69% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gardendale
The median home value in Gardendale is $234,900 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,151/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,215/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. The climate averages highs of 74.3°F and lows of 53.6°F, with about 1.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Gardendale has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 59 | 67 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 91 | 91 | 86 | 76 | 65 | 57 |
| Low °F | 35 | 38 | 45 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 54 | 43 | 38 |
| Precip" | 5.03 | 4.95 | 5.66 | 5.08 | 4.91 | 4.78 | 5.42 | 4.35 | 4.00 | 3.34 | 4.23 | 4.87 |
| Snow" | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gardendale, AL?
Gardendale has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Gardendale, AL?
The median gross rent in Gardendale is $1,151 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gardendale?
The median home value in Gardendale is $234,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gardendale?
The median household income in Gardendale is $81,215 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gardendale, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gardendale is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Gardendale, AL affordable?
Yes, Gardendale is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Gardendale?
Gardendale has average high temperatures of 74.3°F and average lows of 53.6°F. Annual precipitation is 56.6". Average annual snowfall is 1.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Gardendale at a Glance
- Population
- 16,110
- Median Income
- $81,215
- Home Value
- $234,900
- Median Rent
- $1,151/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs