Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Birmingham is 25% cheaper than Clarksville.

$1,047/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 16%
$44,376/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 51%
$138,600 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 70%
$991/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 27%
199,322
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $22,410/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Clarksville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Birmingham or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Clarksville?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Clarksville?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $22,410/year higher in Clarksville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,215/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Clarksville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Clarksville

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Clarksville vs. Oceanside Clarksville vs. Garden Grove Clarksville vs. Rancho Cucamonga Clarksville vs. Pembroke Pines Clarksville vs. Salem Clarksville vs. Lancaster