City Comparison · 2026
Birmingham vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Birmingham = $126k in Phoenix
Metric
Birmingham
Phoenix
COL Index
✓0.89
1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,020/mo
$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,280/mo
$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
AL
AZ
$100k Take-Home
$73,901
✓$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
26.1%
✓23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$61,661
$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Birmingham AL | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,413 $3,951/mo · 20.98% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,901 $6,158/mo · 26.1% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,943 $8,829/mo · 29.37% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Birmingham has a cost-of-living index of 0.89 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Birmingham is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Birmingham is $1,020/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in Phoenix vs Birmingham?
$100k in Birmingham = $126k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is higher by 25.8%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Birmingham or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,901 in AL (Birmingham) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $61,661 in Birmingham vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
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