Cheapest Cities Near Birmingham (2026)

Birmingham has a cost of living index of 84 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI8% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $320/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX7% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $250/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS6% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $200/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO6% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $250/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX6% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $250/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN5% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $210/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS5% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $260/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX5% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $150/mo on rent
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Birmingham at a glance

84
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,200
1BR rent
per month
$225K
Home price
median
5%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Erie, PACOL: 84Fayetteville, NCCOL: 84Akron, OHCOL: 84Memphis, TNCOL: 83

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only