Birmingham vs Atlanta—which is the more affordable city?

Nationwide rent prices have increased over the past month, according to apartmentlist.com. To see how Birmingham measured up in affordability, we compared the cost of renting in the Birmingham metro area with that of another metro area: Atlanta, Georgia. Here’s what we discovered. 

Size vs rent

Based on findings by Rent Cafe, the average apartment size is nearly identical in Birmingham and Atlanta, but Birmingham’s average rent is over $500 lower.

• Birmingham residents pay an average of $1278 for an average 973-square-foot apartment.
• Atlanta residents pay an average of $1861 for an average 971-square-foot apartment. 

The factors

There are several factors that go into the cost of rent, including unit type, size, quality as well as location. Here’s how Birmingham’s neighborhoods compare to Atlanta’s: 

• The most affordable neighborhood in Birmingham is Acipco – Finley, where the average rent goes for $482 per month. 
• The most affordable neighborhood in Atlanta is also within the inner part of the city, Atlanta University Center. The average rent there is $1,131. 
• In some of the priciest neighborhoods in Atlanta (Buckhead Heights and Lennox), average rents are $2477. Compare it with Birmingham’s priciest neighborhoods being Old Mountain Brook ($1703), Southside Birmingham ($1714) and Belle Meade ($1884).

Birmingham vs other Alabama cities

Wondering how rent in Birmingham compares to neighboring cities and others in Alabama? Here’s a rundown of current averages:

Neighboring cities:

• Calera: $1346
• Chelsea: $700
• Center Point: $796
• Homewood: $1137
• Pelham: $1431
• Vestavia Hills: $1313

Alabama cities:

• Huntsville: $1146
• Mobile: $1083
• Tuscaloosa: $1230

For more cities to live cheaply in Alabama, check out these stories:

• 4 Alabama cities make Kiplinger’s 25 Cheapest Cities to Live in US list
• Tuscaloosa + Montgomery among the cities in the US with the most affordable rent

What does this mean? 

When it comes to cheaper housing, Birmingham is more affordable than other metro areas like Atlanta. 

Looking to live in the Birmingham area? Here’s a look at the five most popular neighborhoods and their average monthly rent:

1. Five Points South – $1289
2. Highland Park – $1255
3. Downtown Birmingham – $1295 
4. Spring Lake – $885
5. Redmont Park – $1261

Do you find Birmingham to be an affordable place to live? Stay up to date on all the news around Birmingham by following Bham Now on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok + LinkedIn.