Moving from Tacoma to Birmingham (2026)
Birmingham has a COL index of 84 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). You'd pay about 26% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Birmingham to match your Tacoma lifestyle
Based on the 26% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tacoma | Equivalent in Birmingham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $29,474 |
| $50K | $36,842 |
| $60K | $44,211 |
| $75K | $55,263 |
| $80K | $58,947 |
| $100K | $73,684 |
| $120K | $88,421 |
| $150K | $110,526 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tacoma vs Birmingham
| Expense | Tacoma | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $399 | $357 |
| Transport | $90 | $40 |
| Utilities | $118 | $175 |
| Internet | $63 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,171 | $2,598 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham cheaper than Tacoma?
Yes. Birmingham has a cost of living index of 84 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). That's about 26% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tacoma to Birmingham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tacoma to Birmingham could save roughly $740/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,880/year.
What salary do I need in Birmingham to match my Tacoma lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tacoma, you'd need roughly $55,263/year in Birmingham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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