Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Alexandria is 100% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,031/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 51%
$113,638/yr ↑ 134%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 57%
$696,800 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 66%
$2,173/mo ↑ 109%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 52%
156,788
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,026/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $12,312/year.

Median household income is $65,102/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Alexandria or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,026/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $65,102/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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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