Santa Ana, CA vs Birmingham, AL: 163 vs 62

$1,975/mo ↑ 89%

Median Rent

$1,047/mo ↓ 47%

$88,354/yr ↑ 99%

Median Income

$44,376/yr ↓ 50%

$657,800 ↑ 375%

Home Value

$138,600 ↓ 79%

$1,965/mo ↑ 98%

Owner Costs

$991/mo ↓ 50%

311,639

Population

199,322

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $928/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $11,136/year.

Median household income is $43,978/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Birmingham cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Birmingham?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $928/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Birmingham?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $43,978/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Birmingham?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Birmingham

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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