Moving from Lisbon to Birmingham (2026)

Birmingham has a COL index of 84 vs 63 for Lisbon (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 34% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$1,138 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
63 โ†’ 84
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400 โ†’ $1,200
per month
State tax
20% โ†’ 5%
income tax
COL difference
63 โ†’ 84
34% more expensive

Salary needed in Birmingham to match your Lisbon lifestyle

Based on the 34% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in LisbonEquivalent in Birmingham
$40K$53,760
$50K$67,200
$60K$80,640
$75K$100,800
$80K$107,520
$100K$134,400
$120K$161,280
$150K$201,600

Adjust your salary

Save ~$225/moon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpenseLisbonBirmingham
Monthly take-home$3,491$4,428
1BR rent$1,400$1,200
Groceries$380$357
Transport$150$40
Utilities$90$175
Internet$35$58
Left after essentials$1,436$2,598

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $225 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$274,493

over 30 years compared to staying in Lisbon โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$225/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Birmingham cheaper than Lisbon?

No. Birmingham has a cost of living index of 84 vs 63 for Lisbon (100 = US average). That's about 34% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Lisbon to Birmingham?

On a $75K salary, moving from Lisbon to Birmingham saves roughly $1,138/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,656/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lisbon, you'd need roughly $100,800/year in Birmingham. 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