Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Birmingham is 64% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,047/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 94%
$44,376/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 156%
$138,600 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 403%
$991/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 119%
199,322
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $984/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $11,808/year.

Median household income is $69,262/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Birmingham or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Alexandria?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $984/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Alexandria?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $69,262/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Virginia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Alexandria

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen