Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Gilbert is 139% more expensive than Birmingham.

$2,028/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 48%
$121,351/yr ↑ 173%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 63%
$518,600 ↑ 274%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 73%
$1,908/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 48%
271,118
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $981/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $11,772/year.

Median household income is $76,975/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Gilbert or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Birmingham?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $981/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Birmingham?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $76,975/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Birmingham

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery