Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Birmingham is 75% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,047/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 139%
$44,376/yr ↓ 72%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 263%
$138,600 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 768%
$991/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 161%
199,322
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,458/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $17,496/year.

Median household income is $116,924/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Birmingham or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Bellevue?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,458/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Bellevue?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $116,924/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Washington?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Bellevue details →

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