Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Birmingham is 3% more affordable than Omaha. A $75,000 salary in Omaha is equivalent to $72,500 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 · Nebraska salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Omaha sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $230,000 in Omaha, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,100 in Omaha.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Omaha scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Omaha (96).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $59,612 in Omaha. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
Amazon affiliate links