Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Birmingham is 63% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,047/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 108%
$44,376/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 175%
$138,600 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 335%
$991/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 125%
199,322
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,133/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $13,596/year.

Median household income is $77,853/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Birmingham or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,133/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $77,853/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Elk Grove

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem