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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Birmingham and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,047/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 12%
$44,376/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↑ 4%
$138,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$165,200 ↑ 19%
$991/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 8%
199,322
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $1,608/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield 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, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 62 (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 $920/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Springfield?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $1,608/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Missouri?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Springfield details →

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