Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Birmingham is 16% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $63,350 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 · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Richmond sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $300,000 in Richmond, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,400 in Richmond.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Richmond scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Richmond (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $50,120 in Richmond. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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