Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Abilene and Tuscaloosa have a similar cost of living.

$1,106/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 9%
$62,720/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 23%
$178,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 32%
$1,114/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 7%
127,130
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $14,184/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Abilene or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $14,184/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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