Cost of Living: Tallahassee, FL vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Tallahassee

Florida
87
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Tallahassee is 25% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,238/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 15%
$55,931/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 21%
$276,000 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 50%
$1,237/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 20%
199,696
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tallahassee, FL and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $11,555/year higher in Tallahassee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tallahassee is $276,000 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tallahassee vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Tallahassee or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tallahassee and Birmingham?
Median rent in Tallahassee is $1,238/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Tallahassee or Birmingham?
Median household income is $55,931 in Tallahassee and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $11,555/year higher in Tallahassee.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tallahassee or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Tallahassee has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,238/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.
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