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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Birmingham is 52% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,047/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 74%
$44,376/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 117%
$138,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 193%
$991/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 81%
199,322
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $778/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $9,336/year.

Median household income is $51,881/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Richardson — common questions

Is Birmingham or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Richardson?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $778/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Richardson?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $51,881/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Richardson

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater