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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Glendale is 65% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,397/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 25%
$70,139/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 37%
$347,000 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 60%
$1,356/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 27%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $25,763/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Glendale or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Birmingham?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Birmingham?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $25,763/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Birmingham

Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery