Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Birmingham is 18% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $61,557 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 · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Madison (105).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
Amazon affiliate links