Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Birmingham is 13% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $65,250 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 · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $95,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than St. Paul (105).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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