Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Birmingham is 75% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,047/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 156%
$44,376/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 214%
$138,600 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 735%
$991/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 183%
199,322
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,631/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $19,572/year.

Median household income is $94,950/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Birmingham or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,631/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $94,950/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and California?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Carlsbad

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin