Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Mesa is 73% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,478/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 29%
$78,779/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 44%
$364,300 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 62%
$1,404/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 29%
507,478
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $34,403/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Mesa or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Birmingham?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Birmingham?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $34,403/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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