Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Grand Prairie, TX (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Grand Prairie

Texas
98

Birmingham is 36% cheaper than Grand Prairie.

$1,047/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,470/mo ↑ 40%
$44,376/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$78,889/yr ↑ 78%
$138,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$272,200 ↑ 96%
$991/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,480/mo ↑ 49%
199,322
Population
198,564

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Grand Prairie, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $34,513/year higher in Grand Prairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $272,200 in Grand Prairie.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Grand Prairie residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Grand Prairie — common questions

Is Birmingham or Grand Prairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Grand Prairie it's $1,470/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Grand Prairie?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $78,889 in Grand Prairie. Median household income is $34,513/year higher in Grand Prairie.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Grand Prairie?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,470/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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