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

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Amarillo is 4% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$1,049/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 4%
$62,469/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 22%
$186,800 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 27%
$1,074/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 3%
200,945
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,933/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Amarillo or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $13,933/year higher in Amarillo.
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 Amarillo or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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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