Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Plano is 113% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,792/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 42%
$108,649/yr ↑ 145%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 59%
$440,600 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 69%
$1,829/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 46%
287,339
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $745/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,940/year.

Median household income is $64,273/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Plano or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Birmingham?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $745/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Birmingham?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $64,273/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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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