Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Birmingham is 43% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,047/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 62%
$44,376/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 74%
$138,600 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 112%
$991/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 56%
199,322
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $32,692/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Brandon — common questions

Is Birmingham or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Brandon?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Brandon?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $32,692/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Brandon details →

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