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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Oakland is 215% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,917/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 45%
$97,369/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 54%
$924,700 ↑ 567%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 85%
$2,164/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 54%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $870/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $10,440/year.

Median household income is $52,993/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Oakland or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Birmingham?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $870/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Birmingham?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $52,993/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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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More Comparisons

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