Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Birmingham are Echo Highlands, Glen Iris, and Forest Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Birmingham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 8, 2026, the average rent in Birmingham is $1,179, which is 0.4% 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.
Echo Highlands
Average Rent
$787/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
Units Available
10 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.
Glen Iris
Average Rent
$1,037/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.3%
Units Available
80 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.
Forest Park
Average Rent
$1,268/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
Units Available
14 Rentals
Forest Park is an affordable neighborhood in Birmingham with an average rent price of $1,268. Compare this to the city average of $1,179. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.2%. Forest Park provides easy access to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International, Birmingham Zoo, and Vulcan Park and Museum.
Avondale
Average Rent
$1,274/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
Units Available
17 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
$1,284/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
Units Available
24 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.
Riverwood Estates
Average Rent
$1,292/Month
Units Available
18 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Birmingham, Riverwood Estates might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,292, while the city’s average stands at $1,179. Riverwood Estates is near Birmingham Southern College, Cahaba River Road Retail Center, and Univ. of Ala. at Birmingham.
Five Points South
Average Rent
$1,466/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
Units Available
345 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.
Sand Ridge
Average Rent
$1,480/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.6%
Units Available
100 Rentals
Sand Ridge is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Sand Ridge is $1,480 while the city average is $1,179. This is a 4.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Miles College, Birmingham Southern College, and Birmingham Zoo.
Cahaba Heights
Average Rent
$1,493/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
Units Available
218 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Birmingham neighborhood on a budget, check out Cahaba Heights. The average rent is $1,493, compared to the city average of $1,179. Rent prices have decreased by 0.3%. Cahaba Heights is convenient to Univ. of Ala. at Birmingham, Virginia College, Birmingham, and Samford University.
Downtown Birmingham
Average Rent
$1,496/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
Units Available
826 Rentals
Downtown Birmingham is an affordable neighborhood in Birmingham with an average rent price of $1,496. Compare this to the city average of $1,179. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.1%. Downtown Birmingham provides easy access to Homewood Forest Preserve, Virginia College, Birmingham, and Clairmont Shopping Center.
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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.