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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

San Bernardino is 76% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,433/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 27%
$63,988/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 31%
$384,900 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 64%
$1,478/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 33%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $19,612/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Birmingham — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Birmingham?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Birmingham?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $19,612/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Birmingham details →

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