Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Birmingham is 43% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $42,928 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 · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $415,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Washington (105).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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