Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Arlington is 53% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,389/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 25%
$73,519/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 40%
$276,400 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 50%
$1,420/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 30%
394,769
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $29,143/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Arlington or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Birmingham?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Birmingham?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $29,143/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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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