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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Modesto is 94% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,609/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 35%
$77,899/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 43%
$415,600 ↑ 200%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 67%
$1,613/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 39%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $33,523/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Modesto or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Birmingham?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Birmingham?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $33,523/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery