Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Birmingham is 42% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,047/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 40%
$44,376/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 74%
$138,600 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 143%
$991/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 56%
199,322
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $33,039/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Manchester — common questions

Is Birmingham or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Manchester?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Manchester?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $33,039/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Hampshire?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Manchester details →

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