Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Jacksonville is 48% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,375/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 24%
$66,981/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 34%
$266,100 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 48%
$1,324/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 25%
961,739
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $22,605/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Birmingham?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Birmingham?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $22,605/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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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