Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Fresno is 63% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,324/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 21%
$66,804/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 34%
$348,500 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 60%
$1,391/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 29%
543,615
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $22,428/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Fresno or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Birmingham?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Birmingham?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $22,428/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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.
View Fresno details → View Birmingham details →

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