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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Birmingham is 53% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,047/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 70%
$44,376/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 80%
$138,600 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 229%
$991/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 79%
199,322
Population
183,032

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $35,559/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Birmingham or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $35,559/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
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 Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Fort Lauderdale

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Fort Lauderdale vs. Shreveport Fort Lauderdale vs. Chattanooga Fort Lauderdale vs. Newport News Fort Lauderdale vs. Aurora Fort Lauderdale vs. Mobile Fort Lauderdale vs. Ontario