Performance
Score Breakdown
Birmingham
Gadsden
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Birmingham is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% lower compared to Gadsden.
Housing costs are a major driver: Birmingham's average rent is
159% higher than Gadsden's.
| Metric | Birmingham | Gadsden | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,810 | $700 | +159% |
| Groceries | $0 | $450 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $283 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,810 | $1,833 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Birmingham offers 37% 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 | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $60,834 | $44,346 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,130 idx | 52,172 idx |
| Household Income | $46,051 | $40,345 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Birmingham | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
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 | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 46.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 85.0/10 | 25.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Birmingham is the larger city
— approximately 5.9x the population of Gadsden.
From a growth perspective, Birmingham is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Gadsden has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Birmingham | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,357 | 33,374 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 35.6 | 38.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.00% |
| 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.
Gadsden
Advantages
Median home sale price of $165,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Overall cost of living is 15% lower than the national average.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $700 per month (June 2026), offering affordable rental options.
Home to two hospitals, Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Riverview Regional Medical Center, offering top-rated programs and quality care.
Features a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, providing varied weather experiences throughout the year.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate is 49% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 62% higher.
The city is considered car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 25, meaning most errands require a car.
Median household income of $40,345 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Population has experienced a negative growth rate of -1.2% annually between 2019 and 2024.
Utility costs, particularly electricity, are higher than the national average.
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
Gadsden
#40Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$44,346
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
25.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
58
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