Los Angeles, CA vs Birmingham, AL
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
The headline difference between these two markets is housing: a typical home in Birmingham runs $139,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles, a 84% gap that dominates most relocation math. State income-tax burden also tilts toward Birmingham — a top rate of 5.0% versus 13.3% — which compounds at higher incomes.
Median Home Value
$879,500
$138,600 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$941,985
$134,654
Median Gross Rent
$1,879/mo
$1,047/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
36.3%
45.1%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
39.0x
11.0x
Median Household Income
$80,366 ✓
$44,376
Per Capita Income
$46,270
$31,616
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
6.1% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.6%
25.2%
Avg Commute (min)
34.1 min
23.3 min
Drove Alone %
61.4%
74.4%
Public Transit %
6.7%
1.3%
Work From Home %
17.3%
8.5%
State Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Total Sales Tax
8.7% ✓
9.2%
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
0.4%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.5%
18.4%
Median Age
36.9
35.9
Avg High Temp
70.4°F
—
Annual Precipitation
13.4"
58.1"
Los Angeles, CA 2 wins
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
Birmingham, AL 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →