Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Birmingham is 19% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $60,417 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Alabama salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Birmingham sits at 67 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $165,000 in Birmingham, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,000 in Birmingham.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Birmingham scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Birmingham (91).
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $38,178 in Birmingham. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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