Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Scottsdale is 166% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,910/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 45%
$107,372/yr ↑ 142%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 59%
$709,900 ↑ 412%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 80%
$1,824/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 46%
242,169
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $62,996/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Birmingham?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Birmingham?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $62,996/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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