Birmingham is 18% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Boston to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,291
$3,112
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,126
$2,480
💵 Families earn per year
$49,666
$104,986
🔑 Buying a house
$158,800
$731,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.6
108.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$997
$4,456
⚡ Electric bill per month
$175
$113
👥 People living there
198,173
666,442
Commute to work
20.8 min
30.3 min
College degree
31.1%
54.9%
Own their home
45.5%
35.7%
Below poverty line
24.7%
16.6%
Unemployment
5.8%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Birmingham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Birmingham | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist | $61,730 | $101,990 | +65% in Boston |
| Market Research Analyst | $62,190 | $102,390 | +65% in Boston |
| HVAC Technician | $48,740 | $78,530 | +61% in Boston |
| Plumber | $60,090 | $96,760 | +61% in Boston |
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,630 | $98,060 | +57% in Boston |
| Carpenter | $50,400 | $75,210 | +49% in Boston |
| Firefighter | $51,050 | $73,990 | +45% in Boston |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,670 | $39,270 | +42% in Boston |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham or Boston cheaper to live in?
Birmingham is about 18% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,291 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Boston to match $60,000 in Birmingham?
About $70,883 a year gives the same standard of living in Boston.
Where do people earn more, Birmingham or Boston?
The typical household earns $49,666 in Birmingham and $104,986 in Boston, 53% more in Boston.