Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
47% cheaper
Birmingham is 47% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $39,545 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 Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $615,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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