Moving from Albany to Birmingham (2026)
Birmingham has a COL index of 84 vs 92 for Albany (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$268/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9284
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,200
per month
State tax
6.9%5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,309$4,428
per month
Salary needed in Birmingham to match your Albany lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Albany | Equivalent in Birmingham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,522 |
| $50K | $45,652 |
| $60K | $54,783 |
| $75K | $68,478 |
| $80K | $73,043 |
| $100K | $91,304 |
| $120K | $109,565 |
| $150K | $136,957 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Albany vs Birmingham
| Expense | Albany | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $380 | $357 |
| Transport | $68 | $40 |
| Utilities | $185 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,211 | $2,598 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham cheaper than Albany?
Yes. Birmingham has a cost of living index of 84 vs 92 for Albany (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Albany to Birmingham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Albany to Birmingham could save roughly $268/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,216/year.
What salary do I need in Birmingham to match my Albany lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Albany, you'd need roughly $68,478/year in Birmingham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Birmingham to AlbanyAlbany vs Birmingham — full comparisonAlbany cost of livingBirmingham cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only