Birmingham vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis 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
Comparing Birmingham and St. Louis reveals a clear difference in overall cost of living. Birmingham stands out as noticeably more affordable, primarily driven by its significantly lower housing expenses. While other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to Birmingham's cost advantage, housing creates the most substantial gap, making it a key factor for those weighing a move between these two metropolitan areas.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant distinction, with both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom unit being considerably lower in Birmingham. This suggests a more accessible housing market for both buyers and renters. St. Louis, with its older housing stock, might offer different architectural styles, but Birmingham's housing market is generally more budget-friendly across the board, impacting monthly budgets for ownership or rental.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a consistent trend. Birmingham offers more affordable transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities compared to St. Louis. State income tax rates are roughly similar, presenting a minor difference. These combined factors mean that day-to-day spending on essentials will generally be lower in Birmingham, allowing residents there to stretch their budgets further for routine necessities.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these cities involves lifestyle shifts. Birmingham offers a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, while St. Louis experiences a more varied four-season climate. Both metros are car-dependent, though St. Louis has some public transit options. Birmingham generally feels less dense than St. Louis, which is a larger, more established city with a distinct Midwestern character and a longer history of urban development.
Bottom line
For households prioritizing cost savings, Birmingham generally presents a more budget-friendly option than St. Louis. The most substantial savings are found in housing, which can significantly impact long-term financial planning. While other daily expenses are also lower in Birmingham, the housing market difference is the primary driver of its overall affordability, making it an attractive consideration for those seeking a lower cost of living.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 88 |
| Housing index | 58 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 95 |
| Food index | 85 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 95 |
| Misc index | 75 | 88 |
| Median home price | $198,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $925/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific St. Louis home with the True Cost Calculator.