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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.6K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
18.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,379
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$16.6K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$90K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:118
Median Home:$489K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K residents.

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Music City USA
  • Country music capital
  • Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Nashville, TN

🏠Housing
37.8%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$728
more
📦Other
23.4%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$368
more
🏥Healthcare
18.1%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$92.94
more
🚗Transportation
6.8%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
more
All Utilities
4.0%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$21.86
less
🛒Groceries
1.0%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$9.99
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Nashville, TN has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$1,600
$720
1 Bed
From$990
To$1,680
$690
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,840
$755
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$2,350
$990
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900$1,580/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320$2,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,713
Monthly in Birmingham, AL
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$1,239
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Nashville
$90K
Median Value
$489K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 444% more expensive than Birmingham

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$7.5K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$622
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.0%
Rate difference

Birmingham, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Birmingham
Nashville
57 Moderate
Air Quality
50 Good
26%
Good Air Days
51.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Alabama and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com

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