Moving from Boise to Birmingham (2026)
Birmingham has a COL index of 84 vs 105 for Boise (100 = US average). You'd pay about 20% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$392/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10584
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$1,200
per month
State tax
5.8%5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,378$4,428
per month
Salary needed in Birmingham to match your Boise lifestyle
Based on the 20% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boise | Equivalent in Birmingham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,000 |
| $50K | $40,000 |
| $60K | $48,000 |
| $75K | $60,000 |
| $80K | $64,000 |
| $100K | $80,000 |
| $120K | $96,000 |
| $150K | $120,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boise vs Birmingham
| Expense | Boise | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $372 | $357 |
| Transport | $45 | $40 |
| Utilities | $145 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,156 | $2,598 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham cheaper than Boise?
Yes. Birmingham has a cost of living index of 84 vs 105 for Boise (100 = US average). That's about 20% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boise to Birmingham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boise to Birmingham could save roughly $392/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,704/year.
What salary do I need in Birmingham to match my Boise lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boise, you'd need roughly $60,000/year in Birmingham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Birmingham to BoiseBoise vs Birmingham — full comparisonBoise 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