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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Austin is 116% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,655/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 37%
$91,461/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 51%
$512,700 ↑ 270%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 73%
$1,747/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 43%
967,862
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $608/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,296/year.

Median household income is $47,085/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Austin or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Birmingham?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $608/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Birmingham?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $47,085/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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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