Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Los Angeles is 202% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,879/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 44%
$80,366/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 45%
$879,500 ↑ 535%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 84%
$2,055/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 52%
3,857,897
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $832/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $9,984/year.

Median household income is $35,990/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Birmingham?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $832/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Birmingham?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $35,990/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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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