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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

Columbus, GA and Birmingham, AL have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Birmingham, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from 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.

Columbus, GA

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

Birmingham, AL

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

Columbus, GA

The Peach State

207K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Columbus, GA vs Birmingham, AL

Transportation
↓ 17.0%
Columbus, GA
$1,448
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Difference
$246
less
All Utilities
↓ 7.5%
Columbus, GA
$585
Birmingham, AL
$541
Difference
$43.71
less
Housing
→ 0.0%
Columbus, GA
$1,923
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Difference
$0
same
Groceries
→ 0.0%
Columbus, GA
$959
Birmingham, AL
$959
Difference
$0
same
Healthcare
→ 0.0%
Columbus, GA
$514
Birmingham, AL
$514
Difference
$0
same
Other
→ 0.0%
Columbus, GA
$1,574
Birmingham, AL
$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$930
To$990
↑ $60.00
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,085
→ $0
3 Bed
From$1,435
To$1,360
↓ $75.00
Columbus, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $850–$1,290/mo

Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/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.

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

Home Values

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

Homes in Birmingham are 41% less expensive than Columbus

Calculate payment - ColumbusCalculate payment - Birmingham

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $993
Per year
Monthly Difference
$82.71
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.7%
Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Columbus, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

💡 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

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

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

Similar cost to Birmingham, AL

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