Quick answer
Birmingham costs $310/month less overall ($1,700 vs $2,010/mo). But Colorado Springs's 4.4% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $480/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Birmingham vs Colorado Springs
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Birmingham vs Colorado Springs at a Glance
| Metric | Birmingham | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $1,800 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,400 ✓ | $1,800 |
| Median Home Price | $230K ✓ | $465K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $165 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 ✓ | $395 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,700 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 39/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 21/100 | 24/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 4.4% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Birmingham's 1BR averages $1,150/month vs $1,450 in Colorado Springs — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Colorado Springs charges 4.4% state income tax vs 5% in Birmingham. On an $80K salary that's a $480/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,000 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Birmingham are $230K vs $465K in Colorado Springs. At a 20% down payment, that's a $47,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Birmingham utilities run $5 more per month than Colorado Springs. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Birmingham, AL
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Birmingham. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Colorado Springs, CO
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Colorado Springs. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Birmingham
Hot and humid summers; mild winters with occasional freezing.
Colorado Springs
High altitude (6,000 ft) creates cooler summers (75-85°F) and cold, snowy winters (10-25 inches annual snowfall); 300+ sunny days per year; dry desert-like conditions most of year; wildfire risk in surrounding forests; thin air at altitude requires acclimatization
Job Market
Birmingham top industries
Colorado Springs top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Birmingham if…
- →You're a Healthcare workers and medical professionals
- →You're a Civil rights history enthusiasts
- →You're a Anyone seeking Southern hospitality with urban amenities
- →You're a Professionals in finance and banking
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Colorado Springs if…
- →You're a Military families
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts / climbers
- →You're a Aerospace professionals
- →You're a People seeking altitude and outdoor access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Birmingham is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,700 in Birmingham vs $2,010 in Colorado Springs — a $310/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Birmingham or Colorado Springs?
Birmingham is more walkable with a Walk Score of 39/100 vs 36/100. Colorado Springs is more car-dependent.
Birmingham vs Colorado Springs: which has lower state income tax?
Colorado Springs has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $480/year vs Birmingham (5%).
Is Birmingham or Colorado Springs better for buying a home?
Birmingham has lower median home prices at $230K vs $465K in Colorado Springs — a $235,000 difference on the median home.