Cost of Living in Birmingham, AL
Cost indexes, living wages, and fair market rents — 2024 Data
Cost of Living Overview
Overall Index
85.2
100 = national avg
-14.8 vs national average
Living Wage (1 Adult)
$37,482
per year
Living Wage (Family of 4)
$88,594
per year
Cost Index by Category
Housing93.7
Food83.9
Transportation80.1
Healthcare87.1
Utilities89.1
100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.
Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD1 Bedroom
$1,155
per month
2 Bedroom
$1,266
per month
The overall cost of living index in Birmingham is 85.2, which is 14.8% below the national average. Housing costs are below the national average at an index of 93.7. A single adult needs to earn approximately $37,482 per year to cover basic expenses.