salaryBirmingham is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Chicago to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,291
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,126
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$49,666
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$158,800
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.6
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$997
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$175
$90
👥 People living there
198,173
2,711,226
Commute to work
20.8 min
33.1 min
College degree
31.1%
44.3%
Own their home
45.5%
46%
Below poverty line
24.7%
16.8%
Unemployment
5.8%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Birmingham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Birmingham | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $56,630 | $102,350 | +81% in Chicago |
| Police Officer | $60,590 | $107,810 | +78% in Chicago |
| Plumber | $60,090 | $103,380 | +72% in Chicago |
| Dental Hygienist | $61,730 | $100,260 | +62% in Chicago |
| Firefighter | $51,050 | $82,820 | +62% in Chicago |
| HVAC Technician | $48,740 | $77,960 | +60% in Chicago |
| Carpenter | $50,400 | $80,440 | +60% in Chicago |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,470 | $46,940 | +32% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Birmingham is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,291 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Birmingham?
About $67,824 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Birmingham or Chicago?
The typical household earns $49,666 in Birmingham and $84,017 in Chicago, 41% more in Chicago.