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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Sacramento is 113% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,694/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 38%
$83,753/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 47%
$484,600 ↑ 250%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 71%
$1,752/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 43%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $39,377/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Birmingham?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Birmingham?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $39,377/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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