Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Denver is 137% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,770/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 41%
$91,681/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 52%
$586,700 ↑ 323%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 76%
$1,839/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 46%
713,734
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $47,305/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Denver or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Birmingham?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Birmingham?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $47,305/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Alabama?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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