Salary Comparison
Cutting: Baltimore vs Birmingham
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Baltimore, MD
$51,490/yr
Birmingham, AL
$38,106/yr
Our recommendation: Birmingham, AL
Birmingham offers $170 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Baltimore
Birmingham
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$51,490
$38,106
+$13,384
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,132
$2,318
+$814
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
108
70
+38 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,798
$1,814
+$984
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,610
$1,043
+$567
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$334
$504
$170
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.12×
1.28×
-0.16×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
4/10 (Tight)
+0
A vs B
Baltimore — Full Details
Birmingham — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.