Birmingham vs Sacramento: cost of living compared
Sacramento is 64% more expensive than Birmingham overall. State income tax tops out around 5% in AL vs 9.3% in CA.
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
Comparing Birmingham and Sacramento reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living, with Birmingham being noticeably more affordable. This disparity is largely driven by housing expenses, which are dramatically lower in the Alabama city. While other categories also show Birmingham as cheaper, housing creates the biggest gap, making it a key factor for anyone considering a move between these two metropolitan areas.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in Sacramento than in Birmingham. Birmingham generally features more traditional single-family homes, while Sacramento offers a mix of housing types, including many newer developments. Property taxes and insurance costs, which vary by state, should also be factored into the total cost of homeownership beyond the mortgage.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, groceries, healthcare, and utilities are all higher in Sacramento. Additionally, California's state income tax is notably higher than Alabama's, impacting overall take-home pay. This means that even beyond housing, routine spending on essential goods and services will require a larger portion of one's income in Sacramento compared to Birmingham.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Sacramento experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, while Birmingham has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Commute times are generally shorter in Birmingham. Sacramento, as a larger state capital, tends to have a more urban feel and a faster pace, while Birmingham offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Bottom line
Moving from Birmingham to Sacramento would entail a significant increase in nearly all household expenses, particularly housing, which is substantially more expensive. Conversely, relocating from Sacramento to Birmingham would free up a considerable portion of a household budget. The financial implications are profound, making the cost of living a primary consideration for anyone contemplating a move between these two distinct metros.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 128 |
| Housing index | 58 | 132 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 110 |
| Food index | 85 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 125 |
| Misc index | 75 | 105 |
| Median home price | $198,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $925/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 30 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Sacramento home with the True Cost Calculator.