Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Birmingham are Smithfield Estates, Echo Highlands, and Sun Valley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Birmingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 28, 2025, the average rent in Birmingham is $1,162, which is 0.2% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Smithfield Estates
Average Rent
$734/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10%
TransitScore® Rating
10/100
Units Available
39 Rentals
Smithfield Estates offers a mix of single-family homes and apartments, with nearby parks and recreational facilities. The neighborhood is home to Smithfield Estates Park, which features amenities like a playground and basketball court. It's also conveniently located about 6 miles northwest of downtown Birmingham, offering easy access to city amenities.
Echo Highlands
Average Rent
$793/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.2%
TransitScore® Rating
7/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
Echo Highlands is a quiet, welcoming neighborhood offering spacious homes and access to green spaces like Echo Highlands Park. Renters will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and convenient proximity to shopping and dining along Highway 79. The area also provides easy access to downtown Birmingham via nearby highways.
Sun Valley
Average Rent
$845/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
15.6%
TransitScore® Rating
21/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Birmingham, Sun Valley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $845, while the city’s average stands at $1,162. In the last year, prices have increased by 15.6%. Sun Valley is near Univ. of Ala. at Birmingham, Birmingham Southern College, and College Shopper.
Glen Iris
Average Rent
$1,122/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
24/100
Units Available
68 Rentals
Glen Iris is a quiet, centrally located neighborhood offering easy access to UAB and downtown Birmingham. Renters will enjoy the nearby parks and the variety of housing options, from apartments to historic homes. The area's peaceful atmosphere, convenient location, and array of housing options make it ideal for renters of all lifestyles and preferences.
Five Points South
Average Rent
$1,148/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
207 Rentals
Five Points South is a bustling neighborhood known for its historic architecture, electric nightlife, and proximity to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Here, renters will enjoy a variety of dining and entertainment options, as well as easy access to public transportation.
Avondale
Average Rent
$1,222/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
Avondale is a trendy neighborhood featuring a mix of historic homes, local breweries, and unique dining options. The area’s artistic vibe and easy access to downtown Birmingham make it an attractive spot for renters. Its lively atmosphere and proximity to Avondale Park are also big selling points.
Crestline
Average Rent
$1,232/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
19/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Crestline is a charming neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and close proximity to Crestline Village, offering a variety of shopping and dining options. Renters will enjoy the neighborhood’s quiet charm and convenient location, which offers easy access to downtown Birmingham.
Hoover/Vestavia Hills
Average Rent
$1,295/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
1/100
Units Available
495 Rentals
Hoover/Vestavia Hills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Hoover/Vestavia Hills is $1,295 while the city average is $1,162. This is a 2.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Oak Mountain State Park, Aldridge Botanical Gardens, and Univ. of Ala. at Birmingham. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 47.
Highland Park
Average Rent
$1,326/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
28/100
Units Available
148 Rentals
Highland Park is one of Birmingham's oldest neighborhoods, featuring a mix of historic homes and modern developments. The neighborhood offers scenic views and is home to several parks, including Rhodes Park and the historic Highland Park Golf Course, the oldest golf course in Alabama.
Downtown Birmingham
Average Rent
$1,433/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
831 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Birmingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Birmingham. The average rent is $1,433, compared to the city average of $1,162. Rent prices have decreased by 1%. Downtown Birmingham is convenient to Birmingham Southern College, The Studios Building, and Homewood Forest Preserve. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 72.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.