Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Orlando is 85% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,650/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 37%
$69,268/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 36%
$359,000 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 61%
$1,621/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 39%
311,732
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $24,892/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Orlando or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Birmingham?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Birmingham?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $24,892/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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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