City Comparison · 2026
Birmingham vs New York City
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Birmingham = $239k in New York City
Metric
Birmingham
New York City
COL Index
✓0.89
2.13
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,020/mo
$3,500/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,280/mo
$4,500/mo
State Income Tax
AL
NY
$100k Take-Home
✓$73,901
$73,522
$100k Effective Rate
✓26.1%
26.48%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$61,661
$31,522
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Birmingham AL | New York City NY |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,413 $3,951/mo · 20.98% eff. | $47,420 $3,952/mo · 20.97% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,901 $6,158/mo · 26.1% eff. | $73,522 $6,127/mo · 26.48% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,943 $8,829/mo · 29.37% eff. | $104,939 $8,745/mo · 30.04% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or New York City cheaper to live in?
Birmingham has a cost-of-living index of 0.89 while New York City is 2.13 (1.00 = US average). Birmingham is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Birmingham is $1,020/month vs $3,500/month in New York City.
How much more do you need to earn in New York City vs Birmingham?
$100k in Birmingham = $239k in New York City. Cost of living in New York City is higher by 139.3%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Birmingham or New York City?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,901 in AL (Birmingham) and $73,522 in NY (New York City). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $61,661 in Birmingham vs $31,522 in New York City.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideBirmingham vs New York City cost of livingBirmingham vs Los Angeles cost of livingBirmingham vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in BirminghamCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in BirminghamRegistered Nurse salary in BirminghamWhere does $100k rank nationally?