Birmingham is located in Alabama and has an overall cost of living that is -10% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Birmingham.

Housing: Median rent in Birmingham is $1,220 / month, and the median home price is $406,471. Housing costs are -24% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.11), milk ($4.76), and eggs ($4.70) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -0% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($139.06), dentist visits ($111.71), and prescription drugs ($20.13). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Alabama has a state income tax rate of 5%, which affects take-home pay for Birmingham residents.

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Birmingham, Alabama Cost of Living FAQ

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Birmingham, Alabama has an overall cost of living that is -10% the national average. Housing costs are -24% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -0% vs average. Utilities are +4% vs average. This makes Birmingham a reasonably affordable city.

The median rent in Birmingham, Alabama is $1,220 / month. Average energy bills run $229.38 / month. Phone bills average $204.63 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.

Healthcare costs in Birmingham: doctor's visit averages $139.06, dentist visit averages $111.71, prescription drugs average $20.13. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -0% grocery cost difference.

Birmingham is one of 160 cities tracked in Alabama. With an overall cost -10% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our Alabama state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.

Birmingham offers cost of living -10% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $406,471, rent of $1,220 / month, and a state income tax of 5% in Alabama. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Birmingham fits your budget.