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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Orange

California
206

Birmingham is 70% cheaper than Orange.

$1,047/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 115%
$44,376/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 164%
$138,600 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 550%
$991/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 142%
199,322
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,205/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $14,460/year.

Median household income is $72,569/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Orange — common questions

Is Birmingham or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Orange?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,205/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Orange?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $72,569/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Orange

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City