Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Cincinnati is 11% more expensive than Birmingham.

$953/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↑ 10%
$51,707/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 14%
$215,300 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 36%
$1,041/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 5%
309,595
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $7,331/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Birmingham?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Birmingham?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $7,331/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Alabama?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Birmingham

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