Median rent is 3% lower in Birmingham ($1,047/mo vs $1,078/mo). Buying is cheaper in Birmingham, where the median home runs $138,600 versus $263,100. Households earn more in Huntsville ($70,778 vs $44,376 a year). Taken together, Huntsville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 88.3 against 91.0 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Huntsville, AL.
Quick verdict
Huntsville is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 88.3 in Huntsville vs 91.0 in Birmingham (US average = 100)
City A
Birmingham, AL
City B
Huntsville, AL
How much would you need to earn in Huntsville, AL to maintain your standard of living from Birmingham, AL?
Equivalent salary in Huntsville, AL
$72,772
You could earn $2,228 less (3% lower) and break even.
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
Huntsville
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,047/mo in Birmingham and $1,078/mo in Huntsville. Home buyers face a steeper market in Huntsville: the median home is $263,100 versus $138,600 in Birmingham — 47% 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 Huntsville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Alabama and 4.00% in Alabama; Huntsville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Birmingham
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Huntsville
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Birmingham has cleaner air on average: 38.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize higher median household income ($70,778/yr).
Pick Birmingham if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 38.0).
Is Birmingham cheaper than Huntsville?
Huntsville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 88.3 versus 91.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Huntsville.
How much is rent in Birmingham vs Huntsville?
Median rent is $1,047/mo in Birmingham, AL and $1,078/mo in Huntsville, AL. Birmingham, AL has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Birmingham or Huntsville?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham, AL and $70,778 in Huntsville, AL. Huntsville, 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?
Birmingham, AL has better air quality on average: 38.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Birmingham or Huntsville?
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% and Alabama's is 5.00%. Huntsville, AL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Huntsville to match my Birmingham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Birmingham, AL is equivalent to roughly $97,029 in Huntsville, 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