Birmingham, Alabama has an overall cost of living index of 91.0, which is 9.0 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,047 per month, while the typical home is valued around $138,600. Households earn a median of $44,376 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 38. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$44,376
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,047
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$138,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
91.0
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,024
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,155
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,266
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,583
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
91.0
Goods
94.7
Rents / Housing
68.9
Services
87.0
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.00%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $105,930 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $75,180 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $58,510 |
| ⚡Electrician | $55,110 |
| 📊Accountant | $79,310 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
199,322
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.9 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
38.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Birmingham?
Birmingham has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 91.0. The US national average is 100, so Birmingham is 9.0 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Birmingham?
The median gross rent in Birmingham is $1,047 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Birmingham?
The median household income in Birmingham is $44,376 per year.
What is the median home value in Birmingham?
The median home value in Birmingham is $138,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Birmingham?
Birmingham has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Birmingham?
Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a statewide sales tax of 4.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology