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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Birmingham is 41% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,047/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 47%
$44,376/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 45%
$138,600 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 135%
$991/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 42%
199,322
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $20,064/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Birmingham or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Clearwater?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Clearwater?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $20,064/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville