Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Birmingham is 33% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $50,192 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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