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Birmingham, AL, United States

Follows United States Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,470
Retiree Score
65.0
Safety Index
36.5
Healthcare
16 facilities

With a population of 1,115,289, Birmingham is a sprawling metropolitan area that's hardly the sleepy Southern town you might imagine. The economy is diversified, with major employers ranging from banking to healthcare, but the region's notorious traffic congestion is a persistent headache. And while Birmingham boasts a robust shopping scene, including the massive Riverchase Galleria mall, the bureaucracy around transportation can be a real pain. Overall, this is a city best suited for those who don't mind a little urban grit and are willing to navigate its snarled roads and red tape.

Can I afford Birmingham, AL?

$

Birmingham, AL

You could save

530/mo

Savings Rate18%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,450
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,020

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
18/100
Retiree Score
(i)
65/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
58/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets United States Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
37
Safety
16
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$5
Chicken (1kg) *$12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$20
Meal (Mid-range) $113
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $325
Mobile Plan (mo) $22
Gym (mo) *$36
Cinema Ticket $17

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $1,450
1BR Outside (mo) *$1,355
3BR Center (mo) $2,650
3BR Outside (mo) *$2,228

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills
Best For
medical professionals, families

Expat Life Notes

The Magic City is a healthcare and banking hub. It offers a low cost of living and Southern hospitality with a growing food scene.

Pros

  • ✓ Very affordable housing
  • ✓ Excellent healthcare facilities
  • ✓ Friendly locals

Cons

  • ✗ Car dependency is absolute
  • ✗ Pockets of high crime
  • ✗ Humid summers

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
2°C°C - 33°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1284 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Birmingham, AL

Click any question to expand the answer.

Birmingham, AL has a population of approximately 1,115,289 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $3,625 per month in Birmingham, AL, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1450/month.

The nearest airport to Birmingham, AL is BHM, approximately 7km away.

Birmingham, AL is considered a higher-crime area that requires caution, with a safety index of 36.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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