Moving from Memphis to Birmingham?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Memphis lifestyle in Birmingham, you'd need to earn:
$74,565/year
▼ $435 less than you make now
| Category | Memphis | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $74,565 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,018 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,623 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,081 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$3,688 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $57,154 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -0.6% in Birmingham
- Housing is -9.9% in Birmingham
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $3,710/year in taxes in Birmingham
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~217 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Memphis to Birmingham
| Your Memphis Salary | Birmingham Equivalent | Difference | Birmingham Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $39,768 | -$232 | $32,044 |
| $50,000 | $49,710 | -$290 | $39,535 |
| $60,000 | $59,652 | -$348 | $47,026 |
| $75,000 | $74,565 | -$435 | $57,154 |
| $100,000 | $99,420 | -$580 | $73,397 |
| $150,000 | $149,129 | -$871 | $105,266 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Memphis and Birmingham Compare
Housing (10% cheaper in Birmingham)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Birmingham rents for $1,050/month compared to $950/month in Memphis. Median home prices: $230,000 in Birmingham vs $236,000 in Memphis.
Taxes
Tennessee has no 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 cost you about $3,710/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Birmingham's overall cost of living is 0.6% lower than Memphis, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Memphis: 92.2, Birmingham: 91.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Memphis to Birmingham move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Birmingham
Average 1BR rent in Birmingham: $1,050/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
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