Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Birmingham is 16% more affordable than Dallas. A $75,000 salary in Dallas is equivalent to $63,350 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Dallas sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $310,000 in Dallas, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,500 in Dallas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Dallas scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Dallas (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $54,747 in Dallas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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