Can I Afford to Live in Columbus vs Birmingham on $75K?
Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Columbus OH | Birmingham AL |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,553 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,200 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $357 |
| Transport (est.) | $62 | $40 |
| Utilities | $155 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,665/month | $2,598/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $75K a good salary in Columbus?
At $75K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,553. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $75K a good salary in Birmingham?
At $75K/year in Birmingham, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,428. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?
Columbus leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,665/month vs $2,598/month in Birmingham.
Can I afford to live alone in Columbus on $75K?
Yes. At $75K in Columbus, rent takes 27% of your take-home, leaving $2,665/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only