Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Birmingham is 22% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $58,784 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Reno (96).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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