Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Birmingham is 38% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,047/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 25%
$44,376/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 44%
$138,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 153%
$991/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 38%
199,322
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $19,524/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Birmingham or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Wilmington?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Wilmington?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $19,524/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and North Carolina?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Wilmington details →

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