Moving from Boston to Birmingham?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Boston lifestyle in Birmingham, you'd need to earn:
$63,485/year
▼ $11,515 less than you make now
| Category | Boston | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $63,485 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$5,581 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$3,936 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$921 |
| State Tax | -$3,750 | -$3,134 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,399 | $49,913 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -15.4% in Birmingham
- Housing is -51.5% in Birmingham
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $40/year in taxes in Birmingham
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~1,050 miles
DIY Truck
$4,000
Container
$6,500
Full-Service
$9,000
Salary Equivalents: Boston to Birmingham
| Your Boston Salary | Birmingham Equivalent | Difference | Birmingham Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,859 | -$6,141 | $27,591 |
| $50,000 | $42,324 | -$7,676 | $33,970 |
| $60,000 | $50,788 | -$9,212 | $40,347 |
| $75,000 | $63,485 | -$11,515 | $49,913 |
| $100,000 | $84,647 | -$15,353 | $63,743 |
| $150,000 | $126,971 | -$23,029 | $91,229 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Boston and Birmingham Compare
Housing (52% cheaper in Birmingham)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Birmingham rents for $1,050/month compared to $2,950/month in Boston. Median home prices: $230,000 in Birmingham vs $825,000 in Boston.
Taxes
Massachusetts has a progressive state income tax from 5.0% to 9.0%. Alabama has a progressive state income tax from 2.0% to 5.0%. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Birmingham would save you about $40/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Birmingham's overall cost of living is 15.4% lower than Boston, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Boston: 108.3, Birmingham: 91.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Boston to Birmingham move. Average cost: $4,000–$9,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Birmingham
Average 1BR rent in Birmingham: $1,050/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →