Birmingham, AL vs Decatur, AL: Cost of Living Comparison
Birmingham has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Birmingham | Decatur | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 63 | 74 | Birmingham |
| Housing | 40 ($733) | 55 ($603) | Birmingham |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Decatur |
| Food & groceries | 59 ($242) | 80 ($328) | Birmingham |
| Utilities | 70 ($72) | 78 ($99) | Birmingham |
| Healthcare | 70 ($52) | 78 ($72) | Birmingham |
| Median annual wage | 94 ($45,670) | 94 ($45,670) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham, AL or Decatur, AL cheaper to live in?
Birmingham, AL is cheaper overall by about 11 index points (Birmingham, AL: 63, Decatur, AL: 74; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Birmingham, AL vs Decatur, AL?
A single adult needs roughly $22,050/year in Birmingham, AL and $25,900/year in Decatur, AL to cover basic living costs.