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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Birmingham is 68% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,047/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 103%
$44,376/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 135%
$138,600 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 520%
$991/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 127%
199,322
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,077/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $12,924/year.

Median household income is $59,843/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Birmingham or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Fullerton?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,077/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Fullerton?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $59,843/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Fullerton

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren