Moving from Chicago to Birmingham?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Birmingham, you'd need to earn:
$64,881/year
▼ $10,119 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $64,881 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$5,888 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,023 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$941 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$3,204 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $50,826 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -11.5% in Birmingham
- Housing is -35.8% in Birmingham
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3/year in taxes in Birmingham
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~579 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Birmingham
| Your Chicago Salary | Birmingham Equivalent | Difference | Birmingham Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $35,033 | -$4,967 | $28,476 |
| $50,000 | $43,887 | -$6,113 | $35,147 |
| $60,000 | $52,739 | -$7,261 | $41,817 |
| $75,000 | $64,881 | -$10,119 | $50,826 |
| $100,000 | $87,013 | -$12,987 | $65,289 |
| $150,000 | $130,796 | -$19,204 | $93,652 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Birmingham Compare
Housing (36% cheaper in Birmingham)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Birmingham rents for $1,050/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $230,000 in Birmingham vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. 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 $3/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Birmingham's overall cost of living is 11.5% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Birmingham: 91.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Birmingham move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
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 →