Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Durham is 69% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,412/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 26%
$79,234/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 44%
$355,300 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 61%
$1,434/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 31%
288,465
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $34,858/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Durham or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Birmingham?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Birmingham?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $34,858/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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