City vs city
Birmingham, AL vs Knoxville, TN
- Rent is 8% lower in Birmingham (median $1,107/mo vs $1,191/mo in Knoxville).
- Homes cost 51% less in Birmingham ($159k vs $240k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $207 more a month after taxes and rent in Knoxville.
- Knoxville has no state income tax on wages; Birmingham does.
- Schools rate higher in Knoxville (5.6/10 vs 1.1/10).
- Knoxville has less violent crime (6.8 vs 12.4 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Birmingham has milder winters (45°F vs 37°F average).
| Birmingham | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,107/mo | $1,191/mo |
| Median home value | $159k | $240k |
| Median household income | $46k | $54k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,735 | $3,942 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 1.1/10 | 5.6/10 |
| Violent crime | 3.4× the US rate | 1.9× the US rate |
| Summer average | 91°F | 88°F |
| Winter average | 45°F | 37°F |
| Sunny days a year | 213 | 204 |
| Walk score | 35 | 40 |
| Population | 198,173 | 195,185 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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