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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Athens, AL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Birmingham, AL area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.5K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 15.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,126
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.5K
Per year

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

Athens, AL

Population:31K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$244K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:115
Median Home:$414K

Athens, AL

The Heart of Dixie

31K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 31K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • •Fastest growing major city
  • •Desert metropolis
  • •Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Athens, AL vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
↑ 40.6%
Athens, AL
$1,983
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$805
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 20.1%
Athens, AL
$1,240
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$249
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 12.7%
Athens, AL
$522
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$66.35
more
📦Other
↑ 3.4%
Athens, AL
$1,623
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$54.48
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 2.1%
Athens, AL
$549
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$11.81
more
🛒Groceries
↓ 1.1%
Athens, AL
$974
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$10.92
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$866
To$1,390
↑ $524
1 Bed
From$1,000
To$1,510
↑ $510
2 Bed
From$1,165
To$1,750
↑ $585
3 Bed
From$1,495
To$2,330
↑ $835
Athens, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$970/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$6,892
Monthly in Athens, AL
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,176
Difference

Home Values

Athens
Phoenix
$244K
Median Value
$414K
↓ -0.5%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +32.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$244K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 70% more expensive than Athens

Calculate payment - AthensCalculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $2.2K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$186
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.5%
Rate difference

Athens, 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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Athens, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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

Athens
Phoenix
57 Moderate
Air Quality
77 Moderate
26%
Good Air Days
9%
98 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

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

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Athens, AL on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $228/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $228/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $60.69/mo

Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

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