Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Birmingham is 55% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,047/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 71%
$44,376/yr ↓ 69%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 219%
$138,600 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 246%
$991/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 102%
199,322
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $745/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,940/year.

Median household income is $96,977/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Birmingham or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $745/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $96,977/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View The Woodlands details →

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