Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Jackson is 6% more affordable than Birmingham. A $75,000 salary in Birmingham is equivalent to $70,690 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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