Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
53% cheaper
Birmingham is 53% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $35,081 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 · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $555,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Honolulu (107).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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