Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Birmingham is 21% more affordable than Chandler. A $75,000 salary in Chandler is equivalent to $59,318 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Chandler sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $450,000 in Chandler, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,650 in Chandler.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Chandler scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Chandler (95).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $88,234 in Chandler. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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