Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Oklahoma City is 19% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,083/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 3%
$66,702/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 33%
$215,100 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 36%
$1,133/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 13%
688,693
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,326/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Oklahoma City has a lower income tax rate, making Oklahoma City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Birmingham?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Birmingham?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $22,326/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Alabama?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Birmingham details →

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