Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Jersey City is 139% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,902/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 45%
$94,813/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 53%
$534,500 ↑ 286%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 74%
$2,006/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 51%
289,691
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $855/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $10,260/year.

Median household income is $50,437/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Jersey City or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Birmingham?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $855/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Birmingham?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $50,437/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Alabama?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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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