Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Birmingham is 42% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,047/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 39%
$44,376/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 21%
$138,600 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 142%
$991/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 57%
199,322
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $9,390/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Paterson — common questions

Is Birmingham or Paterson 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 Paterson?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Paterson?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $9,390/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Jersey?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Paterson

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon