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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Birmingham is 32% cheaper than College Station.

$1,047/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 12%
$44,376/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↑ 17%
$138,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 136%
$991/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 26%
199,322
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $7,400/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs College Station — common questions

Is Birmingham or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and College Station?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or College Station?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $7,400/year higher in College Station.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and College Station

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette