Is Birmingham, AL cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Birmingham, AL is 48.2% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3616 per month.

What salary do I need in Birmingham, AL to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $106,607.143 in Birmingham, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Birmingham, AL?

Housing in Birmingham, AL is 74.9% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,085/month in Birmingham, AL compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Birmingham, AL?

Moving from New York, NY to Birmingham, AL could save you approximately $3616 per month, or $43393 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Birmingham, AL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Birmingham, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $106.6K in Birmingham, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 48.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,616

Savings

Annual Impact

$43.4K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K

Cost Index:52

Median Home:$90K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Birmingham, AL

Category	New York, NY	Birmingham, AL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$1,923/mo	↓ $5,725less	74.9%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $460less	22.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $400less	25.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$514/mo	↓ $173less	25.2%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$541/mo	↓ $59.01less	9.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.9%

New York, NY

$7,648

Birmingham, AL

$1,923

Difference

$5,725

less

📦Other

↓ 22.6%

New York, NY

$2,034

Birmingham, AL

$1,574

Difference

$460

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.0%

New York, NY

$1,602

Birmingham, AL

$1,202

Difference

$400

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$1,165

Birmingham, AL

$959

Difference

$206

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 25.2%

New York, NY

$688

Birmingham, AL

$514

Difference

$173

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.8%

New York, NY

$600

Birmingham, AL

$541

Difference

$59.01

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$4,189/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$880

↓ $2,240

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$990

↓ $2,280

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,085

↓ $2,505

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,360

↓ $3,140

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$6,713

Monthly in Birmingham, AL

$7,024

Difference

Home Values

New York

Birmingham

$1.05M

Median Value

$90K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.7%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.6%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$57K - $376K

Homes in Birmingham are 91% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Birmingham

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$174

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.