Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs High Point, NC (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Birmingham is 15% cheaper than High Point.

$1,047/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↑ 1%
$44,376/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 38%
$138,600 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$212,400 ↑ 53%
$991/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 9%
199,322
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,852/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs High Point — common questions

Is Birmingham or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and High Point?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or High Point?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $16,852/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and North Carolina?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View High Point details →

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