Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Ontario, CA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Ontario

California
152

Birmingham is 59% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,047/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 83%
$44,376/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 87%
$138,600 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 310%
$991/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 98%
199,322
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $869/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $10,428/year.

Median household income is $38,430/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Ontario — common questions

Is Birmingham or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Ontario?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $869/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Ontario?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $38,430/year higher in Ontario.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and California?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Ontario

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