Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 91.6 in Birmingham, AL in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 7.6% more expensive than Birmingham; housing rents differ by 45% (104.5 vs 71.9). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $69,688 buys in Birmingham, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | Birmingham | Houston vs Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 91.6 | +7.6% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 96.4 | +4.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 71.9 | +45.5% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 83.8 | +13.7% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 96.7 | -1.1% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 92.7 | +7.3% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in Birmingham | $46,459 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in Birmingham | $92,918 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in Birmingham | $139,377 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.