CostByCity

Birmingham, AL vs Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison

Birmingham, AL is more affordable by 12.0 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryBirmingham, ALChicago, ILDifference
Overall91.6103.6-12.0
Housing71.9112.0-40.2
Goods96.4107.3-10.9
Utilities83.883.6+0.2
Other Services96.7100.5-3.8

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricBirmingham, ALChicago, IL
Median Household Income$68,329$85,087
Median Home Value$216,200$288,400
Median Monthly Rent$1,081$1,310
Per Capita Income$38,198$45,977

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Birmingham, AL or Chicago, IL cheaper to live in?
Birmingham, AL is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 12.0 index points (Birmingham, AL: 91.6, Chicago, IL: 103.6).
Where is housing cheaper, Birmingham, AL or Chicago, IL?
Housing is more affordable in Birmingham, AL. Housing index: Birmingham, AL (71.9) vs Chicago, IL (112.0).