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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Birmingham is 22% cheaper than Tyler.

$1,047/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 15%
$44,376/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 48%
$138,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$216,400 ↑ 56%
$991/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↑ 18%
199,322
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $21,151/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Tyler — common questions

Is Birmingham or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Tyler?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Tyler?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $21,151/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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