El Paso, TX vs Birmingham, AL: 67 vs 62

$1,041/mo ≈ Same

Median Rent

$1,047/mo ≈ Same

$58,734/yr ↑ 32%

Median Income

$44,376/yr ↓ 24%

$171,700 ↑ 24%

Home Value

$138,600 ↓ 19%

$1,044/mo ↑ 5%

Owner Costs

$991/mo ↓ 5%

678,147

Population

199,322

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,358/year higher in El Paso. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Birmingham — common questions

Is El Paso or Birmingham cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 67 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Birmingham?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $6/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Birmingham?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $14,358/year higher in El Paso.

How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.

Should I move to El Paso or Birmingham?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

El Paso

Birmingham

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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