Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Birmingham is 3% more affordable than St. Louis. A $75,000 salary in St. Louis 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 · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than St. Louis (95).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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