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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.8K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
↑ 18.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,397
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$16.8K
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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:119
Median Home:$414K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K 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: Birmingham, AL vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
↑ 45.0%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$865
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 23.9%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$287
more
📦Other
↑ 6.6%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$104
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 14.5%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$74.35
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 3.7%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$20.22
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 0.4%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$4.00
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Phoenix, AZ 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$1,390
↑ $510
1 Bed
From$990
To$1,510
↑ $520
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,750
↑ $665
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$2,330
↑ $970
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/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.

$6,713
Monthly in Birmingham, AL
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,355
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Phoenix
$90K
Median Value
$414K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 361% more expensive than Birmingham

Calculate payment - BirminghamCalculate 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

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

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

Birmingham, 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

Birmingham
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

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