Moving from Birmingham, AL to Knoxville, TN
It is a 255 mi drive, roughly 4h 44m, between Birmingham, AL and Knoxville, TN. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
255 mi Β· 4h 44m by car Β· AL β GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 75, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
1.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Birmingham | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 55.8" |
Annual temperature drops 6.0Β°F moving to Knoxville per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.28 |
Households in Knoxville earn about 1.0% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Knoxville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,000 | $39,660 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 40,780 | $28,680 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 39,220 | $36,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,880 | $32,470 |
| Production Occupations | 33,840 | $41,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Knoxville averages 55.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 255 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 1.0% higher than Birmingham (92.569 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $44,376 in Birmingham β a 14.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 255 mi and the route typically takes 4h 44m via I 59 and I 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $135,870 in Birmingham β a 171.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL Β· Knoxville, TN.