Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Salt Lake City is 89% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,343/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 22%
$74,925/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 41%
$495,700 ↑ 258%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 72%
$1,394/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 29%
203,888
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $30,549/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Salt Lake 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Birmingham?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Birmingham?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $30,549/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Alabama?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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.
View Salt Lake City details → View Birmingham details →

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