Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Birmingham is 19% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $60,981 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Salt Lake City (97).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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