Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Birmingham is 5% more affordable than Milwaukee. A $75,000 salary in Milwaukee is equivalent to $70,924 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 Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Milwaukee scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Milwaukee (102).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
Amazon affiliate links