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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Birmingham is 73% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,047/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 129%
$44,376/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 148%
$138,600 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 661%
$991/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 148%
199,322
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,348/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $16,176/year.

Median household income is $65,697/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Birmingham or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,348/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $65,697/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Costa Mesa

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria