Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Birmingham is 32% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $50,977 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Riverside (102).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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