Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Birmingham is 17% more affordable than Colorado Springs. A $75,000 salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to $62,143 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 · Colorado salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Colorado Springs sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $380,000 in Colorado Springs, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,500 in Colorado Springs.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Colorado Springs scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Colorado Springs (104).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $64,712 in Colorado Springs. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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