salaryBirmingham is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Houston to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,291
$1,533
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,126
$1,499
💵 Families earn per year
$49,666
$69,901
🔑 Buying a house
$158,800
$277,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.6
98.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$997
$4,198
⚡ Electric bill per month
$175
$157
👥 People living there
198,173
2,328,253
Commute to work
20.8 min
27.2 min
College degree
31.1%
36.6%
Own their home
45.5%
42.1%
Below poverty line
24.7%
19.9%
Unemployment
5.8%
6.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Birmingham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Houston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Birmingham | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist | $61,730 | $104,930 | +70% in Houston |
| Physician Assistant | $105,440 | $137,240 | +30% in Houston |
| Registered Nurse | $78,680 | $99,830 | +27% in Houston |
| Nurse Practitioner | $107,700 | $134,560 | +25% in Houston |
| Police Officer | $60,590 | $74,570 | +23% in Houston |
| HVAC Technician | $48,740 | $58,940 | +21% in Houston |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,670 | $22,080 | -20% in Houston |
| Firefighter | $51,050 | $59,120 | +16% in Houston |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham or Houston cheaper to live in?
Birmingham is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,291 a month there versus $1,533 in Houston.
What salary do I need in Houston to match $60,000 in Birmingham?
About $64,573 a year gives the same standard of living in Houston.
Where do people earn more, Birmingham or Houston?
The typical household earns $49,666 in Birmingham and $69,901 in Houston, 29% more in Houston.