Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Birmingham is 33% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,047/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 26%
$44,376/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 98%
$138,600 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 107%
$991/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 34%
199,322
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $43,391/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Rochester — common questions

Is Birmingham or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Rochester?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Rochester?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $43,391/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Minnesota?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Rochester details →

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