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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Birmingham, AL and Columbus, GA have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Columbus, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
→ 0.0%
Same cost
Monthly Impact
$0
No change
Annual Impact
$0
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$90K

Columbus, GA

Population:207K
Cost Index:
100
(national average)
Median Home:$153K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K residents.

Columbus, GA

The Peach State

207K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 207K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Columbus, GA

Transportation
↑ 20.5%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Columbus, GA
$1,448
Difference
$246
more
All Utilities
↑ 8.1%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Columbus, GA
$585
Difference
$43.71
more
Housing
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Columbus, GA
$1,923
Difference
$0
same
Groceries
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Columbus, GA
$959
Difference
$0
same
Healthcare
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Columbus, GA
$514
Difference
$0
same
Other
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Columbus, GA
$1,574
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Columbus, GA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$880
→ $0
1 Bed
From$990
To$930
↓ $60.00
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,085
→ $0
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$1,435
↑ $75.00
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/mo

Columbus, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $850–$1,290/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,713
Monthly in Birmingham, AL
$7,003
Monthly in Columbus, GA
$290
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Columbus
$90K
Median Value
$153K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
0%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +39.1%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$69K - $226K

Homes in Columbus are 70% more expensive than Birmingham

Calculate payment - BirminghamCalculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $993
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$82.71
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.7%
Rate difference

Birmingham, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Columbus, GA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Georgia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,711/month
$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Columbus, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Birmingham
Columbus
57 Moderate
Air Quality
49 Good
26%
Good Air Days
52.7%
98 High
Climate Risk
82 Moderate
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
None
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
64 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
64 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Alabama and Georgia on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Columbus, GA

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