Moving from Tempe to Birmingham (2026)
Birmingham has a COL index of 84 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 18% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$477/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10384
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$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 Tempe lifestyle
Based on the 18% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tempe | Equivalent in Birmingham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,621 |
| $50K | $40,777 |
| $60K | $48,932 |
| $75K | $61,165 |
| $80K | $65,243 |
| $100K | $81,553 |
| $120K | $97,864 |
| $150K | $122,330 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tempe vs Birmingham
| Expense | Tempe | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $380 | $357 |
| Transport | $55 | $40 |
| Utilities | $210 | $175 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,277 | $2,598 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Birmingham cheaper than Tempe?
Yes. Birmingham has a cost of living index of 84 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). That's about 18% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tempe to Birmingham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tempe to Birmingham could save roughly $477/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,724/year.
What salary do I need in Birmingham to match my Tempe lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tempe, you'd need roughly $61,165/year in Birmingham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Birmingham to TempeTempe vs Birmingham — full comparisonTempe 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