Cost of Living in Birmingham, AL
Population 199,322 · Alabama
The cost of living in Birmingham, AL is driven mostly by housing. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,004 a month — 7% lower than the $1,080 median across the 112 large US cities we track. Studios average $857 and two-bedrooms $1,005.
Median household income here is $44,376, 36% lower than the $69,423 median of the cities we track. Adding typical electricity and heating to one-bedroom rent, a rough monthly baseline for one person is about $1,190 before food and transport. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
Rent1BR $1,004
Buying a Home$138,600
Income$44,376
Household income: Census ACS, city. Metro median wage: BLS OEWS, all occupations, 2025 (metro area).
GroceriesSouth
Average prices, South (BLS, 2026-07-01). Regional where available, otherwise U.S. average.
Utilities16.8¢/kWh
Residential, state-level averages (EIA, 2026-05-01). MCF = 1,000 cubic feet.
Gas$3.62/gal
EIA weekly retail average, week of 2026-08-17.
State Taxes (AL)4% sales
State-level rates. Local sales taxes may add more. Income tax shown is the top marginal rate; most filers pay less.
Crime1,274.7 violent
FBI Crime Data Explorer, Birmingham Police Department (2024). Offenses per 100,000 residents per year. Agency reporting practices vary, so cross-city comparisons are approximate.
People & LifestyleAge 35.9 yrs
Climate63.3°F
Birmingham cost of living — FAQ
- Is Birmingham expensive to live in?
- Birmingham is around the middle of the 112 US cities we track. Its one-bedroom rent of $1,004 per month ranks #70 of 112 and is 7% lower than the $1,080 median.
- What is the average rent in Birmingham?
- Average rent in Birmingham, AL runs a studio around $857, a one-bedroom around $1,004, a two-bedroom around $1,005, a three-bedroom around $1,188 per month (US Census ACS).
- How much do you need to earn to live in Birmingham?
- To keep a one-bedroom rent of $1,004 near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $40,000 a year. The median household income here is $44,376.
- How much does it cost to live in Birmingham per month?
- A rough monthly baseline for one person in Birmingham is about $1,190 — one-bedroom rent plus typical residential electricity and heating. It excludes food, transport, and healthcare, so a full budget is higher.
Compare Birmingham with nearby cities
Nearby cities
Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year (rent, income, home value, demographics); NOAA Climate Normals 1981-2010 (climate); EIA (gas, utilities); BLS Average Price Data (groceries) & OEWS (metro wage); transit agencies (fares); FBI Crime Data Explorer (crime); Tax Foundation 2026 (state taxes). Monthly estimate = 1BR rent + utilities; not a full cost of living.