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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Garland is 55% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,525/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 31%
$74,717/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 41%
$248,900 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 44%
$1,445/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 31%
245,298
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $30,341/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Garland or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Birmingham?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Birmingham?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $30,341/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Birmingham details →

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