Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Birmingham is 40% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,047/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 53%
$44,376/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 84%
$138,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 95%
$991/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 55%
199,322
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $560/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $6,720/year.

Median household income is $37,422/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Birmingham or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and South Fulton?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $560/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or South Fulton?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $37,422/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Georgia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View South Fulton details →

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