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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $5.3K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $213.6K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
↑ 70.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$5,302
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$63.6K
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

Arlington, VA

Population:239K
Cost Index:
171
(71% above avg)
Median Home:$556K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Arlington, VA

Housing
↑ 184.0%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Arlington, VA
$5,461
Difference
$3,538
more
Transportation
↑ 53.2%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Arlington, VA
$1,842
Difference
$640
more
Other
↑ 13.3%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Arlington, VA
$1,783
Difference
$209
more
Healthcare
↑ 21.5%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Arlington, VA
$625
Difference
$110
more
Groceries
↑ 11.2%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Arlington, VA
$1,067
Difference
$107
more
All Utilities
↓ 7.1%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Arlington, VA
$502
Difference
$38.67
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Arlington, VA 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$1,578
↑ $698
1 Bed
From$990
To$1,827
↑ $837
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$2,325
↑ $1,240
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$3,239
↑ $1,879
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/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
$11,279
Monthly in Arlington, VA
$4,566
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Arlington
$90K
Median Value
-
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
-
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
-
$57K - $376K
Price Range
-
Calculate payment - Birmingham

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $908
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$75.63
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
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

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Virginia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,718/month
$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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
Arlington
57 Moderate
Air Quality
45 Good
26%
Good Air Days
63.7%
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌀🌡
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
27 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
27 days

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

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