The Verdict
Living in Austin is 15% more expensive than Birmingham.
If you move from Austin to Birmingham, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about £32,941 in Birmingham.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love Birmingham:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Birmingham | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £1,000 | £-900 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £329 | +£21 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £205 | £195 | £-10 |
| Public transport pass | £120 | £131 | +£11 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £171 | £158 | £-13 |
| Total Monthly | £2,704 | £1,814 | £-890 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential (£3,950/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (15% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Birmingham to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Birmingham | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £24,706 | £5,294 less |
| £40,000 | £32,941 | £7,059 less |
| £50,000 | £41,176 | £8,824 less |
| £60,000 | £49,412 | £10,588 less |
| £80,000 | £65,882 | £14,118 less |
| £100,000 | £82,353 | £17,647 less |
Austin vs Birmingham: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 15%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 95, while Birmingham has 50.
Average Salaries: Austin: £3,950/month vs Birmingham: £2,400/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 2, while Birmingham wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.