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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Birmingham is 47% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,047/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 60%
$44,376/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 123%
$138,600 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 155%
$991/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 70%
199,322
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $54,739/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Birmingham or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Carrollton?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Carrollton?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $54,739/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

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