Moving from Mesa to Birmingham (2026)
Birmingham has a COL index of 84 vs 96 for Mesa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 13% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$264/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9684
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,200
per month
State tax
2.5%5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,428
per month
Salary needed in Birmingham to match your Mesa lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Mesa | Equivalent in Birmingham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,000 |
| $50K | $43,750 |
| $60K | $52,500 |
| $75K | $65,625 |
| $80K | $70,000 |
| $100K | $87,500 |
| $120K | $105,000 |
| $150K | $131,250 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Mesa vs Birmingham
| Expense | Mesa | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $369 | $357 |
| Transport | $55 | $40 |
| Utilities | $210 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,490 | $2,598 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham cheaper than Mesa?
Yes. Birmingham has a cost of living index of 84 vs 96 for Mesa (100 = US average). That's about 13% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Mesa to Birmingham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Mesa to Birmingham could save roughly $264/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,168/year.
What salary do I need in Birmingham to match my Mesa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Mesa, you'd need roughly $65,625/year in Birmingham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Birmingham to MesaMesa vs Birmingham — full comparisonMesa 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