Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Birmingham is 26% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $55,297 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 · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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