Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Tacoma is 103% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,597/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 34%
$83,857/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 47%
$454,600 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 70%
$1,747/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 43%
220,482
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $39,481/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Tacoma or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Birmingham?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Birmingham?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $39,481/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Birmingham details →

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