Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Birmingham is 8% more affordable than Greenville. A $75,000 salary in Greenville is equivalent to $68,684 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 Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Greenville (103).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
Amazon affiliate links