Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Birmingham and Peoria have a similar cost of living.

$1,047/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 9%
$44,376/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 32%
$138,600 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$149,500 ↑ 8%
$991/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↑ 2%
199,322
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $14,340/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Peoria — common questions

Is Birmingham or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Peoria?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Peoria?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $14,340/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Peoria details →

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