Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Birmingham is 19% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno 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: Alabama salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Fresno (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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