$145k in Atlanta vs. $110k in Birmingham? (Valley, York: insurance, homes)

[IHeartIthaca]

These are the two job offers I have on the table right now (with a slightly more lenient hours requirement in Birmingham). How different is the cost of living between these two cities, including tax, housing, food, etc? Birmingham seems generally more accessible than Atlanta (less traffic, less sprawl, etc), but Atlanta has more nice city perks. Any insight would be great!

[cpg35223]

Well, Birmingham is a smaller town, but the housing costs are close to Atlanta. However, property taxes, state income taxes, insurance, etc., are all markedly lower.

It really boils down to what you value. If you prefer a shorter commute, a more family-oriented town, while still having access to a lot of amenities, then Birmingham's your place. If, on the other hand, you really want to have incredible shopping, major professional sports, and don't mind a 1.5 hour commute everyday, then Atlanta's a great place, too.

[HB2HSV]

Take the higher pay first, then after a year negotiate the job in Birmingham for $145K+ and move to Birmingham.

[3am green coffee]

Plugging the numbers into a cost of living calculator like this one or this one shows you would need to make about $135K in Birmingham to equal the $145K in Atlanta. If money is your deciding factor, take the Atlanta job.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by 3am green coffee

Plugging the numbers into a cost of living calculator like this one or this one shows you would need to make about $135K in Birmingham to equal the $145K in Atlanta. If money is your deciding factor, take the Atlanta job.

That's a pretty good comparison. However, I would also add in time of commute from a comparably priced house. Because if the OP is having to slog in to downtown Atlanta from Alpharetta every day, versus a shorter commute from Oxmoor Valley to downtown Birmingham, then that's two less hours in the car each day. I'd take the difference in salary for that. Then again, I'm a work/life balance kind o'guy. I like that my wife has a three mile commute, and I stroll from my bedroom to my office downstairs.

[3am green coffee]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

That's a pretty good comparison. However, I would also add in time of commute from a comparably priced house. Because if the OP is having to slog in to downtown Atlanta from Alpharetta every day, versus a shorter commute from Oxmoor Valley to downtown Birmingham, then that's two less hours in the car each day. I'd take the difference in salary for that.

It's roughly a $25K per year difference. You wouldn't necessarily have to restrict yourself to a comparably priced house.

[Rudbeckia]

Originally Posted by IHeartIthaca

These are the two job offers I have on the table right now (with a slightly more lenient hours requirement in Birmingham). How different is the cost of living between these two cities, including tax, housing, food, etc? Birmingham seems generally more accessible than Atlanta (less traffic, less sprawl, etc), but Atlanta has more nice city perks. Any insight would be great!

What part of Altanta do you live in? The cost of living in Atlanta can vary greatly within itself.

[IHeartIthaca]

^^ well, I don't live there yet. Right now, I live in NYC--the job I'm thinking of taking is on Peachtree, near 17th street, and I'd like to live nearby. I didn't realize the housing costs were so similar between these cities--I'd just assumed that ATL would be more expensive because it's such a larger metro area.

Thanks to all who replied.

[Rudbeckia]

That would be considered midtown right?

After living in New York City ( I currently live in NYC, I have lived in Birmingham, and grew up in GA) and then moving to midtown Atlanta, and then Birmingham, the cost of living in Birmingham will seem a good bit lower to you. The traffic will seem better too! (except for 280)

[Back Again]

I don't know, the research I did for a client a few months ago showed the homes in the Atlanta area where higher in costs then here in the Birmingham area by $50K for a like home with the same amount of land.