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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Arlington is 178% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,275/mo ↑ 126%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 56%
$140,160/yr ↑ 189%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 65%
$864,800 ↑ 266%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 73%
$2,414/mo ↑ 133%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 57%
235,463
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,270/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $15,240/year.

Median household income is $91,624/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,270/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $91,624/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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