Birmingham vs Cleveland: cost of living compared
Cleveland is 5% more expensive than Birmingham overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 5% in AL.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Birmingham offers a slightly more affordable overall cost of living compared to Cleveland. While the difference is not substantial, it is driven by several categories. Housing costs are quite similar between the two metros, but everyday expenses like food, transportation, and healthcare contribute to Birmingham's slightly lower overall index. Understanding these nuances helps paint a clearer picture for potential movers.
Housing
Housing costs are remarkably similar in both metros, with Cleveland showing a slightly lower median home price, while Birmingham has a marginally lower median rent for a one-bedroom. Both cities offer housing significantly below the national average. Cleveland's housing index is fractionally lower than Birmingham's, indicating a very close comparison for homeownership and rental expenses.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some variation. Birmingham generally has lower costs for food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities compared to Cleveland. However, Ohio's state income tax is noticeably lower than Alabama's, which could impact take-home pay. Commute times are roughly equivalent in both metros, meaning daily travel duration is similar, though transportation costs are a bit higher in Cleveland.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Birmingham, located in the Southeast, experiences a warmer, humid subtropical climate with mild winters, but can be prone to severe weather events. Cleveland, in the Midwest, has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, influenced by its proximity to Lake Erie. Both metros offer urban amenities, but Cleveland's public transit options are more developed, while Birmingham is more car-dependent. The general pace of life might feel a bit different between the two regions.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, Birmingham generally presents a slightly lower cost of living across several categories, particularly for daily expenses like food and healthcare. However, Cleveland offers a slightly lower median home price and a more favorable state income tax rate. The decision ultimately hinges on which specific cost factors are most critical to a household's budget and preferred lifestyle, as both metros offer significant affordability compared to the national average.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 82 |
| Housing index | 58 | 57 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 91 |
| Food index | 85 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 98 |
| Misc index | 75 | 82 |
| Median home price | $198,000 | $188,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $925/mo | $950/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 26 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Cleveland home with the True Cost Calculator.