Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Birmingham is 19% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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