Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Birmingham is 59% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,047/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 72%
$44,376/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 156%
$138,600 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 333%
$991/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 97%
199,322
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $69,020/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Arvada — common questions

Is Birmingham or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Arvada?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Arvada?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $69,020/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Colorado?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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