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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Columbus is 34% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,224/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 14%
$65,327/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 32%
$234,500 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 41%
$1,243/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 20%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $20,951/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Birmingham?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Birmingham?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $20,951/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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

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