Quick answer
Overall prices in the Raleigh, NC metro were 98.2 vs 91.6 in Birmingham, AL in 2024 (US = 100), so Raleigh is 7.1% more expensive than Birmingham; housing rents differ by 44% (103.5 vs 71.9). A $75,000 income in Raleigh buys about what $70,024 buys in Birmingham, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Raleigh | Birmingham | Raleigh vs Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.2 | 91.6 | +7.1% |
| Goods | 96.6 | 96.4 | +0.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 103.5 | 71.9 | +44.0% |
| Utilities | 89.0 | 83.8 | +6.2% |
| Other services | 98.2 | 96.7 | +1.5% |
| All items, 2008 | 97.0 | 92.7 | +4.7% |
| $50,000 in Raleigh equals in Birmingham | $46,682 | ||
| $100,000 in Raleigh equals in Birmingham | $93,365 | ||
| $150,000 in Raleigh equals in Birmingham | $140,047 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.