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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Birmingham is 72% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,047/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 112%
$44,376/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 134%
$138,600 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 654%
$991/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 136%
199,322
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,171/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $14,052/year.

Median household income is $59,402/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Birmingham or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Pasadena?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,171/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Pasadena?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $59,402/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Pasadena details →

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