North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Birmingham-AL
The average cost of living in Birmingham-AL, United States is $1,921 per month for a single person, and $4,423 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,706 per month. The local average net salary is $3,058 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 43.7 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,921 / month
- Family of 4
- $4,423 / mo
- Student
- $1,131 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Birmingham-AL
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$3,057.76 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Birmingham-AL | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Birmingham-AL | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Birmingham-AL | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Birmingham-AL | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Birmingham-AL | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Birmingham-AL | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Birmingham-AL | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Birmingham-AL | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Birmingham-AL | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Birmingham-AL | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Birmingham-AL FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Birmingham-AL. |
Rent & Property Prices in Birmingham-AL
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,706 | $1,344 – $1,900 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,225 | $900 – $1,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,972 | $2,000 – $4,260 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,122 | $1,330 – $2,800 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $2,976 | $1,711 – $3,290 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,874 | $1,711 – $2,379 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,706$1,344 – $1,900
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,225$900 – $1,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,972$2,000 – $4,260
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,122$1,330 – $2,800
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $2,976$1,711 – $3,290
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,874$1,711 – $2,379
Grocery Prices in Birmingham-AL
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.05 | $0.79 – $1.15 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.04 | $1.65 – $4.41 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $4.68 | $2.18 – $8.82 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.16 | $2.44 – $5.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $9.52 | $6.61 – $13 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $11 | $6.08 – $15 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $16 | $9.46 – $37 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $6.48 | $2.73 – $11 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.35 | $0.64 – $3.28 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $8.04 | $2.76 – $15 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $5.50 | $2.47 – $8.82 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $4.88 | $1.54 – $8.82 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $5.20 | $2.20 – $8.82 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.78 | $2.00 – $3.50 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.80 | $2.00 – $4.60 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15 | $10 – $25 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.38 | $1.43 – $3.57 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.61 | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $9.79 | $8.48 – $12 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.05$0.79 – $1.15
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.04$1.65 – $4.41
- White Rice (1 kg) $4.68$2.18 – $8.82
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.16$2.44 – $5.00
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $9.52$6.61 – $13
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $11$6.08 – $15
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $16$9.46 – $37
- Apples (1 kg) $6.48$2.73 – $11
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.35$0.64 – $3.28
- Oranges (1 kg) $8.04$2.76 – $15
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $5.50$2.47 – $8.82
- Potatoes (1 kg) $4.88$1.54 – $8.82
- Onions (1 kg) $5.20$2.20 – $8.82
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.78$2.00 – $3.50
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.80$2.00 – $4.60
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $15$10 – $25
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.38$1.43 – $3.57
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.61$2.00 – $6.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $9.79$8.48 – $12
Public Transport & Car Costs in Birmingham-AL
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.50 | $1.50 – $1.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $80 | $80 – $80 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.00 | $3.00 – $3.00 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.59 | $1.59 – $1.59 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $30 | $30 – $32 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.77 | $0.71 – $0.90 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $34,617 | $22,771 – $35,880 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,142 | $24,477 – $25,808 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.50$1.50 – $1.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $80$80 – $80
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.00$3.00 – $3.00
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.59$1.59 – $1.59
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $30$30 – $32
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.77$0.71 – $0.90
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $34,617$22,771 – $35,880
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,142$24,477 – $25,808
Utility & Internet Costs in Birmingham-AL
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $233 | $180 – $300 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $72 | $40 – $149 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $65 | $50 – $100 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $233$180 – $300
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $72$40 – $149
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $65$50 – $100
Childcare & Preschool in Birmingham-AL
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,350 | $900 – $1,700 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $18,061 | $17,500 – $18,684 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,350$900 – $1,700
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $18,061$17,500 – $18,684
Clothing Prices in Birmingham-AL
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $59 | $35 – $129 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $39 | $25 – $89 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $109 | $70 – $199 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $94 | $70 – $249 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $59$35 – $129
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $39$25 – $89
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $109$70 – $199
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $94$70 – $249
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Birmingham-AL
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $41 | $25 – $60 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $20 | $20 – $20 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $16 | $12 – $25 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $41$25 – $60
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $20$20 – $20
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $16$12 – $25
Restaurant Prices in Birmingham-AL
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $17 | $8.00 – $45 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $60 | $40 – $150 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $9.00 | $9.00 – $15 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.00 | $3.00 – $6.50 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $6.00 | $5.00 – $9.00 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.08 | $3.00 – $8.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.53 | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.30 | $2.00 – $3.40 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $17$8.00 – $45
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $60$40 – $150
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $9.00$9.00 – $15
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $4.00$3.00 – $6.50
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $6.00$5.00 – $9.00
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.08$3.00 – $8.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.53$2.00 – $3.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.30$2.00 – $3.40
Salaries & Mortgages in Birmingham-AL
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,058 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.18% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $3,058
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.18%
Compare Birmingham-AL with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Eugene
Monthly / 1 person
$1,918
vs NYC
43.6/100
United States
Raleigh
Monthly / 1 person
$1,912
vs NYC
43.5/100
United States
New-Orleans
Monthly / 1 person
$1,932
vs NYC
43.9/100
United States
Spokane
Monthly / 1 person
$1,936
vs NYC
44/100
United States
Houston
Monthly / 1 person
$1,941
vs NYC
44.1/100
United States
Indianapolis
Monthly / 1 person
$1,942
vs NYC
44.1/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Birmingham-AL?
- An estimated $1,921 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Birmingham-AL. A family of four needs around $4,423 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,131.
- How much money do I need to live in Birmingham-AL?
- Plan for at least $1,921 per month as a single person, $4,423 per month for a family of four, or $1,131 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Birmingham-AL.
- What is the average rent in Birmingham-AL?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Birmingham-AL rents for around $1,706 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,972 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Birmingham-AL?
- The average monthly net salary in Birmingham-AL is around $3,058. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 56% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Birmingham-AL?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Birmingham-AL costs around $17. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $104 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.05/L) and bread ($3.04/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Birmingham-AL?
- A monthly public transport pass in Birmingham-AL costs around $80. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Birmingham-AL?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Birmingham-AL costs around $65 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.