Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Birmingham is 19% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $60,981 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Illinois salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Chicago sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $310,000 in Chicago, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,700 in Chicago.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Chicago scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Chicago (101).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $62,097 in Chicago. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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