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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Boston is 184% more expensive than Birmingham.

$2,093/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 50%
$94,755/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 53%
$710,400 ↑ 413%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 80%
$2,176/mo ↑ 120%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 54%
663,972
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,046/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $12,552/year.

Median household income is $50,379/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Boston or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Birmingham?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $1,046/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Birmingham?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $50,379/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alabama?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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