Median rent is 25% lower in Birmingham ($1,047/mo vs $1,404/mo). Buying is cheaper in Birmingham, where the median home runs $138,600 versus $391,300. Households earn more in Hoover ($107,822 vs $44,376 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (91.0).
City A
Birmingham, AL
City B
Hoover, AL
How much would you need to earn in Hoover, AL to maintain your standard of living from Birmingham, AL?
Equivalent salary in Hoover, AL
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Birmingham
Alabama
Hoover
Alabama
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Birmingham — median rent of $1,047/mo versus $1,404/mo in Hoover, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Hoover: the median home is $391,300 versus $138,600 in Birmingham — 65% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% versus 5.00% in Alabama, so Hoover is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Alabama and 4.00% in Alabama; Hoover has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Birmingham
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Hoover
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Birmingham (avg AQI 38.0) but not yet for Hoover.
Pick Hoover if you prioritize higher median household income ($107,822/yr).
Pick Birmingham if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,047/mo median).
Is Birmingham cheaper than Hoover?
Birmingham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.0 versus 91.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Birmingham.
How much is rent in Birmingham vs Hoover?
Median rent is $1,047/mo in Birmingham, AL and $1,404/mo in Hoover, AL. Birmingham, AL has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Birmingham or Hoover?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham, AL and $107,822 in Hoover, AL. Hoover, AL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Birmingham or Hoover?
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% and Alabama's is 5.00%. Hoover, AL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Hoover to match my Birmingham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Birmingham, AL is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Hoover, AL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology