Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Birmingham is 5% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,047/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 5%
$44,376/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↑ 3%
$138,600 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 10%
$991/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 1%
199,322
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,469/year higher in Syracuse. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Birmingham or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Syracuse?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Syracuse?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $1,469/year higher in Syracuse.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New York?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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