Cost of Living in Forestdale, AL

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11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
29%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Forestdale Alabama National
Cost of living8989100
Groceries9896100
Health care9995100
Housing7174100
Transportation9895100
Utilities9597100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9694100
Household Items9696100
Education & Childcare9693100
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Homes For Sale In Forestdale, AL

property for sale

128 Cindy Ln

Birmingham, AL
property for sale

1455 Potomac Pl

Birmingham, AL
property for sale

1201 Haven Dr

Birmingham, AL
property for sale

1201 Blue Bell Rd

Forestdale, AL

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Forestdale is 1% higher than the Alabama average
  • The cost of living in Forestdale is 11% lower than the national average
  • Forestdale housing is 29% lower than the national average
  • Alabama general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Alabama state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Forestdale

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$94,217$7,851$2,198$2,827
      Renters$57,886$4,824$1,351$1,737
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Forestdale, AL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Forestdale, homeowners have a median income of $94,217. Using that number, a maximum of $2,198 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $57,886, which means there is a maximum of $1,351 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Alabama Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Alabama 4% 13.5%

      Alabama Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Alabama 2% 5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cardiff, AL487624.0%
      Mount Olive CDP (Coosa County), AL2847920.7%
      Edgewater, AL8528218.5%
      North Johns, AL1568019.8%
      Brighton, AL2,9398118.8%
      Forestdale, AL8,8708910.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wellington, CO8,86913333.4%
      Dayton, TX8,874928.4%
      Willowbrook, IL8,86411616.4%
      Elsmere, KY8,876918.9%
      Fern Park, FL8,86311312.6%
      Forestdale, AL8,8708910.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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