New York, NY vs Birmingham, AL
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
The headline difference between these two markets is housing: a typical home in Birmingham runs $139,000 versus $752,000 in New York, a 82% gap that dominates most relocation math. State income-tax burden also tilts toward Birmingham — a top rate of 5.0% versus 10.9% — which compounds at higher incomes.
Median Home Value
$751,700
$138,600 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$812,534
$134,654
Median Gross Rent
$1,779/mo
$1,047/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
32.8%
45.1%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.2x
11.0x
Median Household Income
$79,713 ✓
$44,376
Per Capita Income
$50,776
$31,616
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
6.1% ✓
Poverty Rate
17.4%
25.2%
Avg Commute (min)
44.8 min
23.3 min
Drove Alone %
21.9%
74.4%
Public Transit %
45.5%
1.3%
Work From Home %
15.0%
8.5%
State Income Tax
10.9%
5.0%
Total Sales Tax
8.5% ✓
9.2%
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
0.4%
Bachelor's Degree %
23.6%
18.4%
Median Age
38
35.9
Avg High Temp
62.6°F
—
Annual Precipitation
49.5"
58.1"
Annual Snowfall
29.8"
—
New York, NY 2 wins
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
Birmingham, AL 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →