Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Birmingham is 3% more affordable than San Antonio. A $75,000 salary in San Antonio is equivalent to $72,500 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than San Antonio (95).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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