Performance
Score Breakdown
Hoover
Alabaster
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alabaster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% higher compared to Hoover.
| Metric | Hoover | Alabaster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,175 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $590 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $185 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,320 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hoover offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Hoover | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,617 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $109,253 | $91,357 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hoover | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hoover has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
Hoover scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hoover leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hoover | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 15.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hoover is the larger city
— approximately 2.7x the population of Alabaster.
From a growth perspective, Alabaster is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Alabaster has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hoover | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 93,700 | 35,014 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.62% | 0.77% |
| Median Age | 38.4 | 39.6 |
| Unemployment | 2.90% | 2.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hoover
Advantages
Hoover boasts a significantly lower unemployment rate (2.9% in 2023) compared to the national average, indicating a strong job market.
The median household income in Hoover ($109,253 in 2024) is substantially higher than both the state and national averages.
Hoover's cost of living is estimated to be 15% less expensive than the national average as of June 2026, offering good affordability.
The city is known for its top-rated public school system, ranking among the highest in Alabama.
Hoover offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, including 25 public parks and access to the Cahaba River.
Drawbacks
Hoover is a car-dependent city, with limited public transportation options and a low walkability score.
While generally affordable, housing costs in Hoover are higher than the average for other cities within Alabama.
Specific monthly utility costs are not consistently reported and can be slightly above those in smaller Alabama towns.
The average monthly grocery cost in Hoover is higher than the national average.
Healthcare costs in Hoover are reported to be higher than the national average.
Alabaster
Advantages
Alabaster boasts exceptionally low violent crime rates, significantly below the national average, contributing to a strong sense of safety.
The overall cost of living in Alabaster is lower than the national average.
The median household income in Alabaster ($91,357 in 2024) is higher than both the state and national averages.
Alabaster's public schools are highly rated, making it an attractive place for families.
The city has a thriving and diverse economy with a 2.5% employment growth rate from 2023 to 2024.
Drawbacks
Alabaster has a low walkability score, meaning most errands require a car.
Public transportation is not readily available in Alabaster.
The average commute time of 30-32 minutes is longer than the national average.
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance.
Limited nightlife and dining options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Hoover
#5Alabama, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,175
Avg Salary
$68,617
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
15.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.62%
Unemployment
2.90%
Livability
80
Business
75
Alabaster
#13Alabama, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
10.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.77%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
75
Business
0
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Hoover and Alabaster.
Open Cost Calculator