Performance
Score Breakdown
Northport
Vestavia Hills
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Northport is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
9% lower compared to Vestavia Hills.
Housing costs are a major driver: Northport's average rent is
25% lower than Vestavia Hills's.
| Metric | Northport | Vestavia Hills | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,500 | $1,995 | -25% |
| Groceries | $423 | $450 | -6% |
| Utilities | $158 | $180 | -12% |
| Transport | $385 | $120 | +221% |
| Healthcare | $263 | $250 | +5% |
| Monthly Total | $2,729 | $2,995 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 115 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vestavia Hills offers 35% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Vestavia Hills delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Northport is estimated at
$40,836 vs $52,560 in Vestavia Hills.
| Metric | Northport | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,761 | $66,812 |
| Salary Needed | $40,836 | $52,560 |
| Purchasing Power | 44,654 idx | 58,097 idx |
| Household Income | $80,913 | $134,369 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Northport | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 72.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Vestavia Hills has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Northport.
Vestavia Hills scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Northport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Northport | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 10.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 27.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vestavia Hills is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Northport.
From a growth perspective, Northport is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Vestavia Hills has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Northport | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,797 | 40,556 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.10% | 2.50% |
| Median Age | 36.8 | 41.7 |
| Unemployment | 2.30% | 1.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Northport
Advantages
The cost of living in Northport is 2% lower than the U.S. national average, with housing costs being 23.8% lower.
Northport is known for being a safe place to live, contributing to peace of mind for residents.
The city boasts a livability score of 76 out of 100, ranking well for amenities, cost of living, and housing.
The median household income in Northport was $80,913 in 2024, reflecting a 4.03% one-year growth.
The average home value increased by 2.3% over the past year to $268,786 as of April 2026.
Drawbacks
Public transportation options within Northport are very limited, making the city largely car-dependent.
The average Walk Score for Northport is 27, indicating that most errands require a car.
While the overall cost of living is lower, food expenses are slightly above the national average.
Job growth rate data for Northport specifically is not readily available, with some data indicating a slight decline in employed population in 2024.
Summers in Northport are long, hot, and muggy, which can be uncomfortable for some residents.
Vestavia Hills
Advantages
Vestavia Hills boasts a crime rate 51% below the national average as of 2026, making it a very safe community.
The city's public schools are highly rated, contributing to its reputation as an excellent place for families.
The median household income of $134,369 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic prosperity.
Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with a livability score of 83/100, placing it in the 97th percentile of cities.
The average commute time of 19.3 minutes is shorter than the national average, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Vestavia Hills is notably higher than the national average, particularly for housing.
Walkability in Vestavia Hills is low, with a walk score of 0/100, indicating high car dependency.
Public transportation options are limited, requiring most residents to rely on personal vehicles for commuting and daily errands.
While overall crime is low, the robbery rate in Vestavia Hills is 28% above the national average as of 2026.
The city's amenities score is rated 'F' by one source, suggesting potential limitations in certain recreational or service offerings.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Northport
#19Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,500
Avg Salary
$43,761
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
10.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.10%
Unemployment
2.30%
Livability
76
Business
65
Vestavia Hills
#7Alabama, USA
80.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,995
Avg Salary
$66,812
Cost Index
115
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
1.80%
Livability
83
Business
75
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