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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Birmingham is 54% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,047/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 85%
$44,376/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 210%
$138,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 193%
$991/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 99%
199,322
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $892/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $10,704/year.

Median household income is $93,135/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Birmingham or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $892/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $93,135/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Sugar Land details →

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