Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Birmingham is 54% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,047/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 37%
$44,376/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 54%
$138,600 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 343%
$991/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 47%
199,322
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $24,002/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Birmingham or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $24,002/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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