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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Pittsburgh is 23% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,221/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 14%
$64,137/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 31%
$193,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 28%
$1,136/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 13%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $19,761/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Birmingham?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Birmingham?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $19,761/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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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