Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Birmingham is 7% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $69,415 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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