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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Glendale

California
214

Birmingham is 71% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,047/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 100%
$44,376/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 90%
$138,600 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 653%
$991/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 123%
199,322
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,048/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $12,576/year.

Median household income is $39,886/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Glendale — common questions

Is Birmingham or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Glendale?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $1,048/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Glendale?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $39,886/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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