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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $176/month more in Birmingham, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.1K in Birmingham, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 2.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$176
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$2.1K
Per year

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

Montgomery, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$104K

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
102
(2% above avg)
Median Home:$90K

Montgomery, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Montgomery, AL vs Birmingham, AL

Housing
↑ 4.2%
Montgomery, AL
$1,845
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Difference
$77.96
more
Other
↑ 3.3%
Montgomery, AL
$1,523
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Difference
$50.22
more
Groceries
→ 0.0%
Montgomery, AL
$959
Birmingham, AL
$959
Difference
$0
same
Transportation
→ 0.0%
Montgomery, AL
$1,202
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Difference
$0
same
All Utilities
→ 0.0%
Montgomery, AL
$541
Birmingham, AL
$541
Difference
$0
same
Healthcare
→ 0.0%
Montgomery, AL
$514
Birmingham, AL
$514
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Montgomery, AL 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$830
To$880
↑ $50.00
1 Bed
From$840
To$990
↑ $150
2 Bed
From$980
To$1,085
↑ $105
3 Bed
From$1,255
To$1,360
↑ $105
Montgomery, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $750–$1,110/mo

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.

$6,585
Monthly in Montgomery, AL
$6,713
Monthly in Birmingham, AL
$128
Difference

Home Values

Montgomery
Birmingham
$104K
Median Value
$90K
↓ -0.1%
YoY Change
↓ -1.7%
↑ +27.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +16.6%
$45K - $250K
Price Range
$57K - $376K

Homes in Birmingham are 14% less expensive than Montgomery

Calculate payment - MontgomeryCalculate payment - Birmingham

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
→ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Montgomery, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Montgomery, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

💡 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

Montgomery
Birmingham
42 Good
Air Quality
57 Moderate
69%
Good Air Days
26%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.6°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
62 days
Heat Days >95°F
41 days
▲+2.6°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
62 days
Heat Days >95°F
41 days

Similar cost to Birmingham, AL

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