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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $862/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
↑ 11.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$862
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$10.3K
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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:111
Median Home:$512K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Research Triangle
  • •State capital
  • •Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 28.4%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$546
more
📦Other
↑ 8.5%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$134
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 16.9%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$86.74
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 6.8%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 1.0%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$5.46
more
🛒Groceries
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,570
↑ $690
1 Bed
From$990
To$1,640
↑ $650
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,800
↑ $715
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$2,255
↑ $895
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$854
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Raleigh
$90K
Median Value
$512K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 470% more expensive than Birmingham

Calculate payment - BirminghamCalculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $335
Per year
Monthly Difference
$27.92
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.2%
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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
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
Raleigh
57 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
26%
Good Air Days
61.7%
98 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

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

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