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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Cleveland is 18% cheaper than Birmingham.

$894/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↑ 17%
$39,187/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↑ 13%
$94,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$138,600 ↑ 47%
$866/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↑ 14%
367,523
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $5,189/year higher in Birmingham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Cleveland or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Birmingham?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Birmingham?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $5,189/year higher in Birmingham.
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 Cleveland or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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