Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Birmingham is 22% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $58,259 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Modesto (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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