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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Tampa is 82% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,567/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 33%
$71,302/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 38%
$375,300 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 63%
$1,553/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 36%
393,389
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $26,926/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Tampa or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Birmingham?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Birmingham?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $26,926/year higher in Tampa.
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 Tampa or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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More Comparisons

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