Median rent is 3% lower in Birmingham ($1,047/mo vs $1,079/mo). Buying is cheaper in Birmingham, where the median home runs $138,600 versus $242,200. Households earn more in Tucson ($54,546 vs $44,376 a year). Taken together, Tucson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.6 against 91.0 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Tucson, AZ.
Quick verdict
Tucson is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.6 in Tucson vs 91.0 in Birmingham (US average = 100)
City A
Birmingham, AL
City B
Tucson, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Tucson, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Birmingham, AL?
Equivalent salary in Tucson, AZ
$74,613
You could earn $387 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Birmingham
Alabama
Tucson
Arizona
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,047/mo in Birmingham and $1,079/mo in Tucson. Home buyers face a steeper market in Tucson: the median home is $242,200 versus $138,600 in Birmingham — 43% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% versus 2.50% in Arizona, so Tucson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Alabama and 5.60% in Arizona; Birmingham has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Birmingham
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Tucson
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Both cities have similar air quality: Birmingham averages 38.0 AQI (Good) and Tucson averages 38.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize higher median household income ($54,546/yr).
Pick Tucson if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Birmingham cheaper than Tucson?
Tucson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.6 versus 91.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Tucson.
How much is rent in Birmingham vs Tucson?
Median rent is $1,047/mo in Birmingham, AL and $1,079/mo in Tucson, AZ. Birmingham, AL has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Birmingham or Tucson?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham, AL and $54,546 in Tucson, AZ. Tucson, AZ has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Tucson, AZ has better air quality on average: 38.0 AQI versus 38.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Birmingham or Tucson?
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% and Arizona's is 2.50%. Tucson, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Birmingham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Birmingham, AL is equivalent to roughly $99,484 in Tucson, AZ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology