Birmingham, AL vs Santa Rosa, CA: 62 vs 172

$1,047/mo ↓ 50%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 99%

$44,376/yr ↓ 54%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 120%

$138,600 ↓ 80%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 394%

$991/mo ↓ 53%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 115%

199,322

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,037/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $12,444/year.

Median household income is $53,034/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Birmingham or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,037/month.

Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $53,034/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Birmingham

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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