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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Birmingham is 37% cheaper than Midland.

$1,047/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 34%
$44,376/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 105%
$138,600 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 115%
$991/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 48%
199,322
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $46,793/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Midland — common questions

Is Birmingham or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Midland?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Midland?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $46,793/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Midland details →

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