Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 91.6 in Birmingham, AL in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 18.1% more expensive than Birmingham; housing rents differ by 107% (148.4 vs 71.9). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $63,485 buys in Birmingham, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Birmingham | Boston vs Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 91.6 | +18.1% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 96.4 | +3.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 71.9 | +106.6% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 83.8 | +77.5% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 96.7 | +7.1% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 92.7 | +16.2% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Birmingham | $42,324 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Birmingham | $84,647 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Birmingham | $126,971 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.