Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Birmingham is 48% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,047/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 63%
$44,376/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 56%
$138,600 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 167%
$991/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 68%
199,322
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $24,885/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Birmingham or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $24,885/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and West Palm Beach

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings