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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Arlington is 227% more expensive than Birmingham.

$2,275/mo ↑ 117%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 54%
$140,160/yr ↑ 216%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 68%
$864,800 ↑ 524%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 84%
$2,414/mo ↑ 144%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 59%
235,463
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,228/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $14,736/year.

Median household income is $95,784/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Birmingham?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $1,228/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Birmingham?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $95,784/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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.
View Arlington details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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