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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Santa Clarita is 218% more expensive than Birmingham.

$2,486/mo ↑ 137%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 58%
$119,926/yr ↑ 170%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 63%
$721,000 ↑ 420%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 81%
$2,649/mo ↑ 167%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 63%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,439/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $17,268/year.

Median household income is $75,550/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Birmingham?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $1,439/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Birmingham?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $75,550/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Birmingham

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery