Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Madison is 66% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,364/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 23%
$76,983/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 42%
$346,900 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 60%
$1,476/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 33%
275,568
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $32,607/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Madison or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Birmingham?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Birmingham?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $32,607/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Alabama?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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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