Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Philadelphia is 37% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,323/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 21%
$60,698/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 27%
$232,400 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 40%
$1,233/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 20%
1,582,432
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $16,322/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Birmingham?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Birmingham?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $16,322/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Alabama?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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