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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Birmingham is 56% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,047/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 67%
$44,376/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 93%
$138,600 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 296%
$991/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 74%
199,322
Population
156,309

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
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $41,413/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Birmingham or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Lakewood?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Lakewood?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $41,413/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Lakewood

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield