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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Irving is 65% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,517/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 31%
$79,641/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 44%
$287,300 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 52%
$1,521/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 35%
255,036
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $35,265/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Irving 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 Irving and Birmingham?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Birmingham?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $35,265/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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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