Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Birmingham is 24% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,047/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 24%
$44,376/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 37%
$138,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 65%
$991/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 16%
199,322
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $16,571/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Birmingham or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Lakeland?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Lakeland?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $16,571/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Lakeland

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon