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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Roseville

California
168

Birmingham is 63% cheaper than Roseville.

$1,047/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,099/mo ↑ 100%
$44,376/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$117,354/yr ↑ 164%
$138,600 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$630,600 ↑ 355%
$991/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 125%
199,322
Population
152,438

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Roseville, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,052/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $12,624/year.

Median household income is $72,978/year higher in Roseville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $630,600 in Roseville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Roseville — common questions

Is Birmingham or Roseville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Roseville?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Roseville it's $2,099/month — a difference of $1,052/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Roseville?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $117,354 in Roseville. Median household income is $72,978/year higher in Roseville.
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 Roseville?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Roseville has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,099/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Roseville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Roseville

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