Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Toledo is 16% cheaper than Birmingham.

$880/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↑ 19%
$47,532/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 7%
$107,000 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$138,600 ↑ 30%
$856/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↑ 16%
268,461
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $3,156/year higher in Toledo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Toledo or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Birmingham?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Birmingham?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $3,156/year higher in Toledo.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Alabama?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Birmingham details →

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