Cost of living · 2026/27
Birmingham: Cost of Living 2026/27
UK's second-largest city by population. Council tax is among the highest in England due to Birmingham City Council's 2024 Section 114 notice and subsequent tax hikes. Rent reasonable relative to the size.
At a glance
- Typical 2-bed rent
- £1,050/mo
- Council Tax Band D
- £2,085/yr
- Median annual pay (FT)
- £33,800
- Population
- 1,157,000
Note. Birmingham City Council raised Council Tax 10% in 2024/25 and 7.5% in 2025/26 following bankruptcy — currently among the highest Band D rates in England.
Take-home after rent in Birmingham
Monthly take-home for common UK salaries, using England tax rates (our salary calculator), then subtracting typical rent and monthly council tax / rates.
| Gross | Take-home /mo | After rent | After rent + council tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| £33,800 (local median) | £2,321 | £1,271 | £1,098 |
| £50,000 | £3,293 | £2,243 | £2,070 |
| £75,000 | £4,505 | £3,455 | £3,281 |
| £100,000 | £5,713 | £4,663 | £4,489 |
Primary industries in Birmingham
- Advanced manufacturing
- Financial services
- Professional services
- Logistics