Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 91.6 in Birmingham, AL in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 26.2% more expensive than Birmingham; housing rents differ by 171% (194.7 vs 71.9). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $59,451 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 Francisco | Birmingham | San Francisco vs Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 91.6 | +26.2% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 96.4 | +12.5% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 71.9 | +171.0% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 83.8 | +105.9% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 96.7 | +9.8% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 92.7 | +28.5% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Birmingham | $39,634 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Birmingham | $79,268 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Birmingham | $118,902 |
Related
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- Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Birmingham, AL (2024)
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.