Moving from Birmingham to Dallas (2026)

Dallas has a COL index of 99 vs 84 for Birmingham (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 18% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$13 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
84 โ†’ 99
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 โ†’ $1,500
per month
State tax
5% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
84 โ†’ 99
18% more expensive

Salary needed in Dallas to match your Birmingham lifestyle

Based on the 18% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in BirminghamEquivalent in Dallas
$40K$47,143
$50K$58,929
$60K$70,714
$75K$88,393
$80K$94,286
$100K$117,857
$120K$141,429
$150K$176,786

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$362/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Birmingham vs Dallas

ExpenseBirminghamDallas
Monthly take-home$4,428$4,741
1BR rent$1,200$1,500
Groceries$357$361
Transport$40$96
Utilities$175$175
Internet$58$60
Left after essentials$2,598$2,549

Frequently asked questions

Is Dallas cheaper than Birmingham?

No. Dallas has a cost of living index of 99 vs 84 for Birmingham (100 = US average). That's about 18% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Birmingham to Dallas?

On a $75K salary, moving from Birmingham to Dallas saves roughly $13/month on core expenses. That's ~$156/year.

What salary do I need in Dallas to match my Birmingham lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Birmingham, you'd need roughly $88,393/year in Dallas. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only