Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Birmingham is 22% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $58,784 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 Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $305,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Gilbert (95).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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