Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Birmingham is 44% cheaper than Eugene.

$1,047/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↑ 29%
$44,376/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↑ 44%
$138,600 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$435,400 ↑ 214%
$991/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↑ 43%
199,322
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $19,460/year higher in Eugene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Eugene — common questions

Is Birmingham or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Eugene?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Eugene?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $19,460/year higher in Eugene.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Oregon?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Eugene details →

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