Cost of Living in Birmingham
West Midlands, England
Average House Price
£243.5k
+16%vs UK avg (£290k)
Median Salary
£35,429
+9%vs UK avg (£39,039)
Average Rent
£994/mo
+17%vs UK avg (£1,200)
Quick Facts
Council Tax
£2,174
Band D / yr
Energy
£147
/ mo
Water
£35.00
/ mo
Broadband
£36.00
/ mo
Bus Pass
£67.72
/ mo
Housing
House Prices in Birmingham
Average price (all types)
£243,540
House prices in Birmingham have increased by +4.0% over the past year.
Salaries
Salaries in Birmingham
vs UK National Median (£39,039)
Monthly costs
Monthly Cost of Living in Birmingham
| Category | Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Rent | £994 |
| Housing | Council Tax | £181 |
| Utilities | Energy | £147 |
| Utilities | Water | £35.00 |
| Utilities | Broadband | £36.00 |
| Transport | Transport | £175 |
| Food | Groceries | £257 |
| Leisure | Leisure | £142 |
| Estimated Total | £1,966 |
These figures are estimates based on averages and may vary depending on your lifestyle, property type, and household size. Council tax shown at Band D; your band may differ.
Transport
Transport Costs in Birmingham
£67.72
£1.34
£175
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Or choose any two locations to compareFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Birmingham
- What is the average house price in Birmingham?
- The average house price in Birmingham is £243,540, based on HM Land Registry data for 2025-12-01. Detached homes average £400,950, while flats and apartments average £143,550. Prices have risen by +4.0% over the past year.
- What is the average salary in Birmingham?
- The median annual salary in Birmingham is £35,429, compared to the UK national median of £39,039. This is £3,610 below the national average. Salaries typically range from £24,064 (lower quartile) to £46,530 (upper quartile).
- How much does it cost to rent in Birmingham?
- Average monthly rent in Birmingham is £994 per month. Rents have increased by +3.8% over the past year.
- Is Birmingham an affordable place to live?
- Birmingham can be a stretch for those on median earnings. Rent accounts for approximately 34% of the median monthly income, which exceeds the 30% affordability guideline. The average monthly rent is £994, while the median annual salary is £35,429 (approximately £2,952 per month before tax).
- How does Birmingham compare to London?
- The average house price in Birmingham is £243,540, compared to approximately £551,000 in London. Property in Birmingham costs around 44% of London prices, making it £307,460 cheaper on average. Rent is also more affordable, at £994 per month versus approximately £2,253 in London.
- Are house prices rising or falling in Birmingham?
- House prices in Birmingham are currently rising, with a +4.0% increase over the past year. The current average price of £243,540 reflects data from 2025-12-01. As with all property markets, past performance does not guarantee future changes.
Nearby
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