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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Birmingham is 55% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,047/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 59%
$44,376/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 88%
$138,600 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 296%
$991/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 71%
199,322
Population
169,705

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $39,222/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Birmingham or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $39,222/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Fort Collins

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas