Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Birmingham is 8% more affordable than Fort Worth. A $75,000 salary in Fort Worth is equivalent to $68,684 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 Fort Worth sits at 87 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $270,000 in Fort Worth, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,400 in Fort Worth.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Fort Worth scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Fort Worth (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $62,187 in Fort Worth. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
Amazon affiliate links