What is the cost of living in Birmingham?

The cost of living in Birmingham is 48.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 51.6). Groceries are 19.7% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 31.5% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,706 per month. Local purchasing power index is 108.8 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 AL, United States · #127 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Birmingham?

Q: Should I move to Birmingham?

Birmingham, AL, United States has a cost of living 48.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 51.6). It is ranked #127 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is strong (index: 108.8 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

48.4% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-48.4%

vs NYC

USD 1,706

1-BR, city centre

108.8

Purchasing Power

Strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Birmingham?

Cost breakdown: Birmingham

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

51.6 Expensive

Rent

36.8 Affordable

Groceries

80.3 Above average

Restaurants

68.5 Moderate

Purchasing Power

108.8 Strong

Rent in Birmingham

1-BR, city centre USD 1,706/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,225/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,972/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,122/mo

Save by going outside centre 28% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Huntsville

AL, United States

CoL index 45.5

Compare Huntsville vs Birmingham →

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