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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Birmingham is 13% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,047/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 6%
$44,376/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 41%
$138,600 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 29%
$991/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 12%
199,322
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $18,344/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Abilene — common questions

Is Birmingham or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Abilene?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Abilene?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $18,344/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Abilene

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland