Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Birmingham is 74% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,047/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 162%
$44,376/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 185%
$138,600 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 651%
$991/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 166%
199,322
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,695/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $20,340/year.

Median household income is $82,093/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Birmingham or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Cambridge?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,695/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Cambridge?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $82,093/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Cambridge details →

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