Median Home
$120,000
Rent (1BR)
$900/mo
Cost of Living
82 / 100
Unemployment
3.8%
Sunny Days
213/yr
Walkability
Car-Dependent
What It's Really Like in Birmingham
Alabama's largest city with an incredible food scene that punches way above its weight, a revitalized downtown, and one of the most affordable major cities in the US. UAB's medical campus is a major economic driver.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Birmingham based on your lifestyle and budget.
Avondale
trendyBrewery district with restaurants and creative energy. Birmingham's most vibrant neighborhood.
Avg Rent
$1,000
Home Price
$220,000
Walkability
Medium
Highland Park
artsyNear Five Points South with restaurants, UAB proximity, and neighborhood character.
Avg Rent
$900
Home Price
$200,000
Walkability
Medium
Homewood
family-friendlyOver the mountain suburb with excellent schools, SoHo dining, and a strong community.
Avg Rent
$1,100
Home Price
$300,000
Walkability
Medium
Mountain Brook
upscaleAlabama's most affluent community with top schools and The Village shopping.
Avg Rent
$1,400
Home Price
$500,000
Walkability
Low
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
90
10% below avg
Housing
48
52% below avg
Transportation
90
10% below avg
Healthcare
88
12% below avg
Utilities
94
6% below avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- Homewood — $1,100/mo rent
Best for Young Professionals
- Avondale — $1,000/mo rent
Most Affordable
- Highland Park — $900/mo rent
- Avondale — $1,000/mo rent
Getting Around Birmingham
Walkability: Car-Dependent
Birmingham is primarily car-dependent. You'll need a vehicle for most daily activities including commuting, shopping, and entertainment.
Airport: BHM
Birmingham is served by BHM airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$36,306
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
State Income Tax
2-5%
Cost of Living Index
82
Top Industries
HealthcareFinance/BankingEducationConstructionManufacturing
Major Employers
UABSt. Vincent's Health SystemRegions FinancialProtective LifeAT&T
Popular Routes to Birmingham
People are moving to Birmingham from these cities.
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
1,119 miles20.3hr driveI-65 North
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
2,338 miles42.5hr driveI-20 West
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
753 miles13.7hr driveI-65 North
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
737 miles13.4hr driveI-20 West
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
1,889 miles34.3hr driveI-20 West
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
1,016 miles18.5hr driveI-65 North
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
968 miles17.6hr driveI-20 West
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
2,277 miles41.4hr driveI-20 West
Birmingham, ALBirmingham
754 miles13.7hr driveI-20 West
Moving from Birmingham to Other States
Route guides from Birmingham, AL to every US state.
Birmingham → CaliforniaBirmingham → TexasBirmingham → FloridaBirmingham → New YorkBirmingham → PennsylvaniaBirmingham → IllinoisBirmingham → OhioBirmingham → GeorgiaBirmingham → North CarolinaBirmingham → MichiganBirmingham → New JerseyBirmingham → VirginiaBirmingham → WashingtonBirmingham → ArizonaBirmingham → MassachusettsBirmingham → TennesseeBirmingham → IndianaBirmingham → MarylandBirmingham → MissouriBirmingham → WisconsinBirmingham → ColoradoBirmingham → MinnesotaBirmingham → South CarolinaBirmingham → LouisianaBirmingham → KentuckyBirmingham → OregonBirmingham → OklahomaBirmingham → ConnecticutBirmingham → UtahBirmingham → IowaBirmingham → NevadaBirmingham → ArkansasBirmingham → MississippiBirmingham → KansasBirmingham → New MexicoBirmingham → NebraskaBirmingham → IdahoBirmingham → West VirginiaBirmingham → HawaiiBirmingham → New HampshireBirmingham → MaineBirmingham → Rhode IslandBirmingham → MontanaBirmingham → DelawareBirmingham → South DakotaBirmingham → North DakotaBirmingham → AlaskaBirmingham → District of ColumbiaBirmingham → VermontBirmingham → Wyoming
Moving from Birmingham to Metro Areas
Route guides from Birmingham to major metropolitan areas.
Birmingham → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJBirmingham → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CABirmingham → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INBirmingham → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CABirmingham → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXBirmingham → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVBirmingham → Trenton-Princeton, NJBirmingham → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTBirmingham → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDBirmingham → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLBirmingham → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZBirmingham → Vallejo, CABirmingham → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXBirmingham → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WABirmingham → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDBirmingham → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WABirmingham → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHBirmingham → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COBirmingham → Kenosha, WIBirmingham → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Birmingham to Major Cities
Route guides from Birmingham to the largest US cities.
Birmingham → New York, NYBirmingham → Los Angeles, CABirmingham → Chicago, ILBirmingham → Houston, TXBirmingham → Phoenix, AZBirmingham → Philadelphia, PABirmingham → San Antonio, TXBirmingham → San Diego, CABirmingham → Dallas, TXBirmingham → Austin, TXBirmingham → San Jose, CABirmingham → Jacksonville, FLBirmingham → Fort Worth, TXBirmingham → Columbus, OHBirmingham → Charlotte, NCBirmingham → Indianapolis, INBirmingham → San Francisco, CABirmingham → Seattle, WABirmingham → Denver, COBirmingham → Nashville, TNBirmingham → Oklahoma City, OKBirmingham → Washington, DCBirmingham → El Paso, TXBirmingham → Boston, MABirmingham → Portland, ORBirmingham → Las Vegas, NVBirmingham → Memphis, TNBirmingham → Louisville, KYBirmingham → Baltimore, MDBirmingham → Milwaukee, WI
Your Birmingham Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home