Quick answer
Overall prices in the Richmond, VA metro were 97.9 vs 91.6 in Birmingham, AL in 2024 (US = 100), so Richmond is 6.8% more expensive than Birmingham; housing rents differ by 38% (99.1 vs 71.9). A $75,000 income in Richmond buys about what $70,237 buys in Birmingham, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Richmond | Birmingham | Richmond vs Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 97.9 | 91.6 | +6.8% |
| Goods | 96.8 | 96.4 | +0.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 99.1 | 71.9 | +38.0% |
| Utilities | 89.2 | 83.8 | +6.5% |
| Other services | 98.6 | 96.7 | +2.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 98.1 | 92.7 | +5.9% |
| $50,000 in Richmond equals in Birmingham | $46,825 | ||
| $100,000 in Richmond equals in Birmingham | $93,650 | ||
| $150,000 in Richmond equals in Birmingham | $140,475 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.