What is the cost of living in Bessemer, AL?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Bessemer has an overall cost of living index of 86, which is 0.9x lower than the national index of 100.
Compared to Alabama, Bessemer has a cost of living index that's 0.9x lower than Alabama's index of 91.
The standard of living in Bessemer ranks as #19 most affordable out of the 116 places we measured in Alabama. By definition, that implies Bessemer ranks as the #97 most expensive place in the Heart of Dixie.
For more reading on life in Bessemer, check out:
Bessemer Cost Of Living Vs. Alabama
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Bessemer. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Bessemer is 93.
The Groceries index in Bessemer is 98.
The Health index in Bessemer is 64.
The Housing index in Bessemer is 96.
The Transportation index in Bessemer is 97.
The Utilities index in Bessemer is 96.
| Living Expense | Bessemer | Alabama | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 86 | 91 | 100 |
| Services | 93 | 95 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 96 | 100 |
| Health | 64 | 74 | 100 |
| Housing | 96 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 97 | 95 | 100 |
| Utilities | 96 | 95 | 100 |
Bessemer Cost Of Living Compared To Alabama Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Alabama, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Bessemer Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Bessemer, AL Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Alabama, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Bessemer is $133,910.
The Median Rent in Bessemer is $961.
The Median Income in Bessemer is $39,613.
The Home Value To Income in Bessemer is 3.4x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Bessemer is 0.29x.
Bessemer, AL Costs By Category
Detailed Bessemer Services costs vs. Alabama
Detailed Bessemer Groceries costs vs. Alabama
Detailed Bessemer Health costs vs. Alabama
Detailed Bessemer Transportation costs vs. Alabama
Bessemer SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Bessemer
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Bessemer. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Birmingham, AL has a cost of living index of 90, 1.0x Bessemer.
Hoover, AL has a cost of living index of 109, 1.3x Bessemer.
Alabaster, AL has a cost of living index of 100, 1.2x Bessemer.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Bessemer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 198,173 | 90 | 1.0x |
| Hoover, AL | 92,642 | 109 | 1.3x |
| Alabaster, AL | 33,917 | 100 | 1.2x |
| Homewood, AL | 27,829 | 124 | 1.4x |
| Pelham, AL | 24,827 | 100 | 1.2x |
| Helena, AL | 21,769 | 102 | 1.2x |
| Hueytown, AL | 16,414 | 87 | 1.0x |
| Chelsea, AL | 16,260 | 107 | 1.2x |
| Forestdale, AL | 9,742 | 88 | 1.0x |
| Fairfield, AL | 9,728 | 85 | 1.0x |
