Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Birmingham is 5% more affordable than Syracuse. A $75,000 salary in Syracuse is equivalent to $70,924 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Syracuse (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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