Performance
Score Breakdown
Birmingham
Alabaster
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alabaster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% higher compared to Birmingham.
| Metric | Birmingham | Alabaster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,810 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,810 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Birmingham offers 52% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Birmingham delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
| Metric | Birmingham | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $60,834 | $40,018 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,130 idx | 40,835 idx |
| Household Income | $46,051 | $91,357 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Birmingham | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Birmingham has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
Birmingham scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Birmingham leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Birmingham | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 46.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Walkability | 85.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Birmingham is the larger city
— approximately 5.8x the population of Alabaster.
From a growth perspective, Alabaster is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Birmingham has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Birmingham | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,357 | 33,917 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.76% |
| Median Age | 35.6 | 39.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Birmingham
Advantages
Birmingham boasts a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average.
The city has a robust and diversifying job market, particularly in healthcare, finance, and technology.
Birmingham offers a nationally recognized culinary scene with numerous acclaimed restaurants.
The median home value in Birmingham is considerably lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Birmingham has a high walkability score, indicating many pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
Drawbacks
Birmingham's crime rates are significantly higher than the Alabama average.
The median rent in Birmingham is 56% above the national median.
Public transportation usage is low, with most residents relying on personal vehicles.
Assisted living expenses in Birmingham are exceptionally high compared to state and national averages.
The city has experienced a population decrease in recent decades.
Alabaster
Advantages
Affordability compared to national averages.
High homeownership rate and stable housing market.
Strong job growth, particularly in healthcare and education.
Family-friendly environment with good schools and community events.
Low crime rates contributing to a safe living environment.
Drawbacks
Car-dependent with limited public transportation and low walkability.
Longer-than-average commute times.
Limited amenities within walking distance.
Inaccessibility of certain health-related facilities in some areas.
Hot summers can be a factor for some residents.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Birmingham
#30Alabama, USA
71.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,810
Avg Salary
$60,834
Cost Index
88
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
46.0/10
Walkability
85.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
67
Business
0
Alabaster
#12Alabama, USA
76.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$40,018
Cost Index
98
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
10.0/10
Walkability
10.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.76%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
76
Business
80
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