Cost of Living in Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Are you considering a move to Birmingham, Alabama, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Birmingham, Alabama is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Birmingham, Alabama and help you understand whether $3446 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3075.69.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

15.5 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

74.0 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

8.25 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

6.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

7.99 $

Cappuccino (regular)

4.92 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.3 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.99 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.12 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

3.84 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

3.57 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

4.72 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

12.86 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

12.69 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

13.96 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.59 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.59 $

Oranges (1 lb)

4.84 $

Tomato (1 lb)

5.43 $

Potato (1 lb)

6.07 $

Onion (1 lb)

4.71 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.28 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

2.42 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

15.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.03 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.2 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

6.89 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.38 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

55.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.59 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

30.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.84 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

29000.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

26560.0 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

257.86 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

67.29 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

24.75 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

13.0 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

12.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1025.0 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

16228.0 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

62.71 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

52.5 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

97.57 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

101.29 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1516.67 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1133.33 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2987.5 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2400.0 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

3094.62 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

2193.15 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

3075.69 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.7 %

Cost of Living in Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Birmingham, Alabama?

The monthly expenses for living in Birmingham, Alabama come to a total of approximately $3446. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1516 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $291 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1049 per month.

How affordable is living in Birmingham, Alabama?

Living in Birmingham, Alabama appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3075.69. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Birmingham, Alabama, you would likely need an income exceeding $3075.69.

What is the average salary in Birmingham, Alabama?

In Birmingham, Alabama, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3075.69, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Birmingham, Alabama?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Birmingham, Alabama is approximately $1516. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1133.33 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Birmingham, Alabama?

The expense for groceries in Birmingham, Alabama can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $834 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

How Safe Is Birmingham, Alabama, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Birmingham, Alabama, United States

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Birmingham Water Works shows full compliance in the 2022 Water Quality Report.

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Birmingham neighborhoods are sort of hit-or-miss with safety, but as with most American cities, the city is facing an increase in gun crime. Because of the growing rate and high crime statistics from 2021, there's a medium risk here.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

MAX Transit is the public bus system here. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find and rental cars are available at the airport and throughout the city. There's a low risk overall, but use extra caution at bus stops and while riding the bus, as pickpocketers are known to be looking for a crime of opportunity.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk, especially during the holidays, on public transit, and in crowded areas. You should keep your purse or wallet secured somewhere out of sight on your body. A zippered purse is harder for a pickpocket to reach into.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Alabama is known for its tornadoes, and people still talk about the April 2011 series of tornados across the state. Flooding and severe thunderstorms are also possible. Occasionally there might be a snow or ice storm in the winter. Hurricanes can ride up the spine of Alabama, generally being reduced to a tropical storm before they hit. These tropical systems spawn more tornadoes and can dump large amounts of rain.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is 55% higher than the national average, but generally, you won't be a robbery victim if you're only visiting tourist areas during the day.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There's a lower risk here than there might be in Huntsville or Mobile, and there aren't any military bases in the immediate area. The city is home to 200,000 people, which isn't large enough to make it a target right off the bat.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

An elaborate scam involved a fake contracting company, and a recent scam involved scammers pretending to be with the local police, but none of these would impact a tourist.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The sexual assault rate here is actually lower than the national average. There's a lot of shopping and sites to see here with fun outdoor areas to explore. If you stick to being out during daylight hours and avoid walking around alone at night, you have a low risk. After dark, the risk goes up.

Useful Information & Tips
currency_exchange

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here and avoid carrying cash. Many of the main attractions are available for purchase online, which is a smart way to avoid having to pull out your wallet.

credit_card

Visas

A U.S. Travel Visa will cost $160, and a Work Visa is $190. You'll need an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in your home country, so plan ahead.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

A mix of jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and a rain jacket will get you through most of the year. Winter will require a coat, but not every day. Summers are really muggy, so bring light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. There is just no way to avoid sweating here.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is just six miles from downtown and off a major interstate. It's very easy to access, I can tell you, as I've flown out of there several times.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance, especially for any valuables you carry, is essential here. Also, ensure you know the severe weather policy for delays and cancellations.

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

What about weather in Birmingham, Alabama, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 54°F 59°F 67°F 74°F 81°F 87°F 90°F 89°F 84°F 75°F 65°F 57°F
Temp 44°F 47°F 55°F 63°F 71°F 77°F 80°F 80°F 74°F 63°F 54°F 46°F
Low 36°F 39°F 46°F 53°F 61°F 69°F 72°F 71°F 65°F 54°F 45°F 39°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 12°C 15°C 19°C 23°C 27°C 30°C 32°C 31°C 28°C 23°C 18°C 13°C
Temp 6°C 8°C 12°C 17°C 21°C 25°C 26°C 26°C 23°C 17°C 12°C 7°C
Low 2°C 3°C 7°C 11°C 16°C 20°C 22°C 21°C 18°C 12°C 7°C 3°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in United States with Birmingham, Alabama

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries