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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Fort Worth is 56% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,412/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 26%
$76,602/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 42%
$277,300 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 50%
$1,489/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 33%
941,311
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $32,226/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Birmingham?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Birmingham?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $32,226/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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.
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