Long Beach, CA vs Birmingham, AL: 169 vs 62

$1,803/mo ↑ 72%

Median Rent

$1,047/mo ↓ 42%

$83,969/yr ↑ 89%

Median Income

$44,376/yr ↓ 47%

$762,200 ↑ 450%

Home Value

$138,600 ↓ 82%

$1,890/mo ↑ 91%

Owner Costs

$991/mo ↓ 48%

458,491

Population

199,322

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $756/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $9,072/year.

Median household income is $39,593/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Long Beach or Birmingham cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Birmingham?

Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $756/month.

Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Birmingham?

Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $39,593/year higher in Long Beach.

How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.

Should I move to Long Beach or Birmingham?

It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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.

Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Long Beach

Birmingham

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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