Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Birmingham is 24% more affordable than Frisco. A $75,000 salary in Frisco is equivalent to $56,739 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 Frisco sits at 142 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $500,000 in Frisco, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,900 in Frisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Frisco scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Frisco (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $126,048 in Frisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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