Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Birmingham is 29% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $53,049 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $415,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Scottsdale (95).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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