Cost of Living in Vestavia Hills, AL
Population 38,704 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Vestavia Hills cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $495,000, rents near $1,455 a month. An unemployment rate of 1.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Vestavia Hills sits roughly 6 miles southeast of Birmingham. Median home values run roughly 257% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Vestavia Hills
The median home value in Vestavia Hills is $494,500 — 62% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,455/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $129,171/year is 73% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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%. Overall, Vestavia Hills has a cost of living index of 142 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% more 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Vestavia Hills, AL?
Vestavia Hills has a cost index of 142 (100 = national average). It is 42% above the national average.
What is average rent in Vestavia Hills, AL?
The median gross rent in Vestavia Hills is $1,455 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Vestavia Hills?
The median home value in Vestavia Hills is $494,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Vestavia Hills?
The median household income in Vestavia Hills is $129,171 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Vestavia Hills, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Vestavia Hills is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Vestavia Hills, AL affordable?
Vestavia Hills is above average in cost of living, with an index of 142 — about 42% higher than the national average.
Vestavia Hills at a Glance
- Population
- 38,704
- Median Income
- $129,171
- Home Value
- $494,500
- Median Rent
- $1,455/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.7%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Alabama Rankings
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