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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Birmingham is 46% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,047/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 63%
$44,376/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↑ 37%
$138,600 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 143%
$991/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 65%
199,322
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $16,603/year higher in Miami Gardens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Birmingham or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $16,603/year higher in Miami Gardens.
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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Miami Gardens

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula