Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Birmingham is 26% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $55,297 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 Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $355,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Denver (104).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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