Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Birmingham is 22% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,047/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 6%
$44,376/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↑ 16%
$138,600 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 61%
$991/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 29%
199,322
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $6,963/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Springfield — common questions

Is Birmingham or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Springfield?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Springfield?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $6,963/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Springfield details →

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