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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Birmingham is 6% cheaper than McAllen.

$1,047/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 3%
$44,376/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 36%
$138,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 25%
$991/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$996/mo ≈ Same
199,322
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,789/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs McAllen — common questions

Is Birmingham or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and McAllen?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or McAllen?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $15,789/year higher in McAllen.
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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View McAllen details →

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