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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Birmingham is 65% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,047/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 88%
$44,376/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 103%
$138,600 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 452%
$991/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 103%
199,322
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $924/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $11,088/year.

Median household income is $45,790/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Birmingham or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $924/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $45,790/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Garden Grove

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins