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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Arlington is 30% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,389/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 28%
$73,519/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 34%
$276,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 14%
$1,420/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 27%
394,769
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $24,983/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Arlington or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $24,983/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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.
View Arlington details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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