Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Birmingham is 35% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,047/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 38%
$44,376/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↑ 21%
$138,600 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$249,000 ↑ 80%
$991/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 53%
199,322
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $9,395/year higher in New Haven. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs New Haven — common questions

Is Birmingham or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and New Haven?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or New Haven?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $9,395/year higher in New Haven.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Connecticut?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View New Haven details →

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