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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Birmingham is 30% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,047/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 34%
$44,376/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 62%
$138,600 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 63%
$991/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 40%
199,322
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $27,467/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Birmingham or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Mesquite?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Mesquite?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $27,467/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Mesquite details →

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