Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Columbus is 11% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,072/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 2%
$56,622/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 22%
$182,300 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 24%
$1,064/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 7%
204,383
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,246/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Columbus 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 Columbus and Birmingham?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Birmingham?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $12,246/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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.
View Columbus details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Birmingham

Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery