Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Birmingham is 18% cheaper than Waterbury.

$1,047/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 13%
$44,376/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↑ 16%
$138,600 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 34%
$991/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 28%
199,322
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $7,266/year higher in Waterbury. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Birmingham or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Waterbury?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Waterbury?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $7,266/year higher in Waterbury.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Connecticut?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Waterbury details →

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