As one of the major economic centers of Alabama and one of the signature cities of the Southeast, Birmingham has done an impressive job of adapting to the new demands of the 21st century. The city that once built a reputation as the “Pittsburgh of the South” thanks to a robust steel manufacturing industry is now a hip community attracting entrepreneurs, artists, and innovative personalities. Birmingham remains one of the most active business hubs in the region, with headquarters for everything from banks to biotech firms operating in the city.
The dining, nightlife, and entertainment scenes have all grown rapidly in recent years, and just about everyone in town has an opinion about where to find the best brewery. Gorgeously preserved historic buildings and a pervasive attitude of down-home hospitality have kept Birmingham’s famous southern charm intact as well, creating a unique environment where the best elements of the traditional and the modern complement each other. The surrounding hills and forests provide beautiful scenery as well as unlimited opportunities for outdoor exploration on the weekends.
The historic Clarkson Covered Bridge is just north of Birmingham
The Storyteller Fountain in the Five Points South District
As of March 2025, the average apartment rent in Birmingham, AL is $1,022 for a studio, $1,152 for one bedroom, $1,263 for two bedrooms, and $1,564 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Birmingham has increased by 0.1% in the past year.
The cost of living in Birmingham, AL is 8.3% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Birmingham is 22.9% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,022 - $1,564. You can expect to pay 2.4% less for groceries, 8.2% more for utilities, and 10.1% less for transportation.
Thinking about moving to Birmingham? Weigh the pros and cons with our comprehensive guide.
Somewhat Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.
Minimal Transit
out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Somewhat Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.
Public
Grades PK-8
654 Students
Oak Mountain Intermediate School
Public
Grades 4-5
619 Students
Public
Grades K-5
514 Students
Oak Mountain Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-3
713 Students
Public
Grades PK-3
582 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
654 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,175 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
390 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
567 Students
South Hampton Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-8
513 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,561 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
660 Students
Public
Grades 8-12
1,147 Students
George Washington Carver High School
Public
Grades 9-12
531 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
826 Students
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2025.
