Cost of Living in Birmingham, Alabama (2026)
COL Index
84
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,200
per month
Median HHI
$49K
per year
State Tax
5%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $950 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,200 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,550 |
| Median home price | $225K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 94 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $48 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $40 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00 |
| Car insurance/mo | $152 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $175 |
| Internet/mo | $58 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $49K |
| State income tax rate | 5.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 9.2% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 84 |
| Walk score / 100 | 28 |
Is Birmingham affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,562/mo take-home
47% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,952/mo take-home
41% rent burden · Tight
$60K
~$3,543/mo take-home
34% rent burden · Manageable
$75K
~$4,428/mo take-home
27% rent burden · Comfortable
$80K
~$4,723/mo take-home
25% rent burden · Comfortable
$100K
~$5,904/mo take-home
20% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$6,655/mo take-home
18% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,319/mo take-home
14% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only