Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Birmingham is 30% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,047/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 29%
$44,376/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 53%
$138,600 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 69%
$991/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 36%
199,322
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $23,382/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Hampton — common questions

Is Birmingham or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Hampton?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Hampton?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $23,382/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Virginia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Hampton details →

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