Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Birmingham is 45% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,047/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 40%
$44,376/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 44%
$138,600 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 184%
$991/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 56%
199,322
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $19,498/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Birmingham or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $19,498/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Jersey?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Elizabeth details →

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Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland