Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Birmingham is 19% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $60,981 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Alabama salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Birmingham sits at 67 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $165,000 in Birmingham, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,000 in Birmingham.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Birmingham scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Birmingham (91).
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $38,178 in Birmingham. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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