MN
MoveNumbers
MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
↑ 18.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,379
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$16.6K
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
Median Home:$90K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:118
Median Home:$558K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Live music capital
  • •Major tech hub
  • •SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
↑ 50.0%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$962
more
📦Other
↑ 10.6%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$167
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 6.8%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 14.5%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$74.35
more
🛒Groceries
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$0
same
⚡All Utilities
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, 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$1,585
↑ $705
1 Bed
From$990
To$1,685
↑ $695
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,995
↑ $910
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$2,525
↑ $1,165
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,285
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Austin
$90K
Median Value
$558K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 521% more expensive than Birmingham

Calculate payment - BirminghamCalculate payment - Austin

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

Austin, 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%

Austin, 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
Austin
57 Moderate
Air Quality
52 Moderate
26%
Good Air Days
42.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

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

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison