Birmingham vs Kansas City: cost of living compared
Kansas City is 13% more expensive than Birmingham overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO 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 generally offers a noticeably lower overall cost of living compared to Kansas City. This difference is largely driven by significantly more affordable housing in Birmingham, making it a more budget-friendly option for residents. While other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities also contribute to Birmingham's lower costs, housing presents the biggest gap between the two metros, impacting overall expenses considerably.
Housing
Housing costs show a substantial difference, with Birmingham's median home prices being considerably lower than Kansas City's. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment also follows this trend, being more affordable in Birmingham. This lower purchase price in Birmingham would typically translate to lower property tax burdens, and both metros offer a range of housing types from historic homes to newer constructions, but Birmingham's housing market is distinctly less expensive.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are generally lower in Birmingham. Food and healthcare costs are noticeably cheaper there, as are utilities. Transportation costs are roughly similar in both metros, with identical average commute times. State income tax rates are also very close, with Birmingham's top marginal rate being just slightly higher. Overall, everyday spending on essentials would be more economical in Birmingham.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Kansas City experiences a wider range of seasonal weather, including colder winters and hotter summers, compared to Birmingham's humid subtropical climate. Both metros offer a mix of urban and suburban environments, with similar average commute times suggesting comparable traffic patterns. Kansas City is known for its barbecue and jazz culture, while Birmingham has a rich history and a growing culinary scene, offering distinct cultural experiences.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, Birmingham presents a clear advantage in terms of overall affordability, primarily due to its significantly lower housing costs for both renters and buyers. While other daily expenses like food and healthcare are also more budget-friendly in Birmingham, the housing market creates the most substantial financial difference. Kansas City offers a similar commute and a different climate, but at a higher price point across most categories.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 88 |
| Housing index | 58 | 68 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 89 |
| Food index | 85 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 95 |
| Misc index | 75 | 85 |
| Median home price | $198,000 | $238,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $925/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Kansas City home with the True Cost Calculator.