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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Birmingham is 49% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,047/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 68%
$44,376/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 153%
$138,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 139%
$991/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 98%
199,322
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $712/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,544/year.

Median household income is $68,094/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Pearland — common questions

Is Birmingham or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Pearland?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $712/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Pearland?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $68,094/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Pearland details →

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