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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Birmingham is 15% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,047/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 13%
$44,376/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↑ 10%
$138,600 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 12%
$991/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 16%
199,322
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $4,299/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Birmingham or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Brownsville?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Brownsville?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $4,299/year higher in Brownsville.
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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Brownsville details →

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