Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Birmingham is 19% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,047/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 2%
$44,376/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 38%
$138,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 81%
$991/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 7%
199,322
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,078/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Birmingham or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Lafayette?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Lafayette?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $17,078/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Louisiana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Lafayette details →

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