Moving from Portland to Birmingham?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Portland lifestyle in Birmingham, you'd need to earn:
$60,574/year
▼ $14,426 less than you make now
| Category | Portland | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $60,574 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$5,230 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$3,756 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$878 |
| State Tax | -$6,254 | -$2,989 |
| Take-Home Pay | $54,895 | $47,721 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -13.1% in Birmingham
- Housing is -42.5% in Birmingham
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $2,544/year in taxes in Birmingham
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~2,062 miles
DIY Truck
$5,000
Container
$8,500
Full-Service
$12,000
Salary Equivalents: Portland to Birmingham
| Your Portland Salary | Birmingham Equivalent | Difference | Birmingham Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,999 | -$7,001 | $26,943 |
| $50,000 | $41,254 | -$8,746 | $33,163 |
| $60,000 | $49,509 | -$10,491 | $39,384 |
| $75,000 | $60,574 | -$14,426 | $47,721 |
| $100,000 | $80,612 | -$19,388 | $61,106 |
| $150,000 | $120,449 | -$29,551 | $87,097 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Portland and Birmingham Compare
Housing (43% cheaper in Birmingham)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Birmingham rents for $1,050/month compared to $1,550/month in Portland. Median home prices: $230,000 in Birmingham vs $510,000 in Portland.
Taxes
Oregon has a progressive state income tax from 4.8% to 9.9%. 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 $2,544/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Birmingham's overall cost of living is 13.1% lower than Portland, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Portland: 105.4, Birmingham: 91.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Portland to Birmingham move. Average cost: $5,000–$12,000.
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 →