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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Birmingham is 17% cheaper than Killeen.

$1,047/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↑ 10%
$44,376/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↑ 31%
$138,600 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$196,000 ↑ 41%
$991/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↑ 19%
199,322
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $13,963/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Killeen — common questions

Is Birmingham or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Killeen?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Killeen?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $13,963/year higher in Killeen.
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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Killeen

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale