Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Birmingham is 20% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $59,862 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 Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $235,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Plano (100).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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