Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Birmingham is 9% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $67,969 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 · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Columbia sits at 88 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $210,000 in Columbia, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,200 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Columbia scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Columbia (102).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $46,734 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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