Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Birmingham is 5% cheaper than Kansas City.

$1,047/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↑ 2%
$44,376/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↑ 33%
$138,600 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$147,100 ↑ 6%
$991/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↑ 6%
199,322
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,807/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Birmingham or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Kansas City?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Kansas City?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $14,807/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Kansas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Kansas City details →

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