Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Birmingham is 11% more affordable than Spokane. A $75,000 salary in Spokane is equivalent to $66,582 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Spokane (102).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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