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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Birmingham is 55% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,047/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 76%
$44,376/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 91%
$138,600 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 245%
$991/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 81%
199,322
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $795/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $9,540/year.

Median household income is $40,241/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Birmingham or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $795/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $40,241/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Santa Maria

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton