Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Birmingham is 32% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,047/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 42%
$44,376/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 52%
$138,600 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 79%
$991/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 21%
199,322
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $23,145/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Birmingham or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $23,145/year higher in Palm Bay.
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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Palm Bay

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock