Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Portland is 123% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,596/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 34%
$88,792/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 50%
$557,600 ↑ 302%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 75%
$1,771/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 44%
642,715
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $44,416/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Portland or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Birmingham?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Birmingham?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $44,416/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Alabama?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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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