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

Laredo

Texas
67
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Laredo is 8% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,001/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↑ 5%
$63,264/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 30%
$182,400 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 24%
$1,066/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 7%
255,949
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,888/year higher in Laredo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Laredo or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Laredo and Birmingham?
Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Laredo or Birmingham?
Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $18,888/year higher in Laredo.
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 Laredo or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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 Laredo details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Laredo and Birmingham

Laredo vs. St. Petersburg Laredo vs. Irving Laredo vs. Lubbock Laredo vs. Chesapeake Laredo vs. Fort Wayne Laredo vs. Winston-Salem Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery