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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.5K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
16.1%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,207
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.5K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$90K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K
Cost Index:
116
(16% above avg)
Median Home:$292K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K residents.

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Major business center
  • No state income tax
  • Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Dallas, TX

Housing
24.3%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Dallas, TX
$2,391
Difference
$468
more
Other
12.8%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Dallas, TX
$1,774
Difference
$201
more
Healthcare
22.9%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Dallas, TX
$632
Difference
$118
more
Transportation
8.0%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Dallas, TX
$1,298
Difference
$95.62
more
All Utilities
4.0%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Dallas, TX
$563
Difference
$21.86
more
Groceries
2.1%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Dallas, TX
$979
Difference
$19.99
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Dallas, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$1,450
$570
1 Bed
From$990
To$1,505
$515
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,765
$680
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$2,220
$860
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900$1,580/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040$2,470/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,713
Monthly in Birmingham, AL
$7,637
Monthly in Dallas, TX
$924
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Dallas
$90K
Median Value
$292K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +27.1%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 225% more expensive than Birmingham

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$7.5K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$622
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.0%
Rate difference

Birmingham, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Dallas, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Birmingham
Dallas
57 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
26%
Good Air Days
35.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
90 days
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
90 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Alabama and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

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