Moving from Birmingham to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 84 for Birmingham (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 13% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Houston to match your Birmingham lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $45,238 |
| $50K | $56,548 |
| $60K | $67,857 |
| $75K | $84,821 |
| $80K | $90,476 |
| $100K | $113,095 |
| $120K | $135,714 |
| $150K | $169,643 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Birmingham vs Houston
| Expense | Birmingham | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $357 | $357 |
| Transport | $40 | $90 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Internet | $58 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,598 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Birmingham?
No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 84 for Birmingham (100 = US average). That's about 13% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Birmingham to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Birmingham to Houston saves roughly $163/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,956/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Birmingham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Birmingham, you'd need roughly $84,821/year in Houston. 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 · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only