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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Birmingham is 66% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,047/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 118%
$44,376/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 147%
$138,600 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 401%
$991/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 135%
199,322
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,239/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $14,868/year.

Median household income is $65,135/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Birmingham or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $1,239/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $65,135/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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