Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Anaheim is 120% more expensive than Birmingham.

$2,082/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 50%
$90,583/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 51%
$771,700 ↑ 457%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 82%
$2,165/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 54%
344,553
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,035/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $12,420/year.

Median household income is $46,207/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Anaheim or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Birmingham?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $1,035/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Birmingham?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $46,207/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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