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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Birmingham is 55% cheaper than Allen.

$1,047/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 79%
$44,376/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 191%
$138,600 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 210%
$991/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 110%
199,322
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $830/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $9,960/year.

Median household income is $84,754/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Allen — common questions

Is Birmingham or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Allen?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $830/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Allen?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $84,754/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Allen details →

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