Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Diego, CA metro were 111.9 vs 91.6 in Birmingham, AL in 2024 (US = 100), so San Diego is 22.1% more expensive than Birmingham; housing rents differ by 149% (179.3 vs 71.9). A $75,000 income in San Diego buys about what $61,431 buys in Birmingham, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Diego | Birmingham | San Diego vs Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.9 | 91.6 | +22.1% |
| Goods | 108.0 | 96.4 | +12.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 179.3 | 71.9 | +149.5% |
| Utilities | 174.2 | 83.8 | +107.9% |
| Other services | 99.6 | 96.7 | +3.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.7 | 92.7 | +22.7% |
| $50,000 in San Diego equals in Birmingham | $40,954 | ||
| $100,000 in San Diego equals in Birmingham | $81,908 | ||
| $150,000 in San Diego equals in Birmingham | $122,861 |
Related
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- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2024)
- Cost of living: San Jose, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2024)
- Cost of living: Seattle, WA vs Birmingham, AL (2024)
- Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Birmingham, AL (2024)
- Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs Birmingham, AL (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.