Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Athens is 14% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,162/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 14%
$51,655/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 6%
$271,800 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 13%
$1,163/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 11%
126,987
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $3,119/year higher in Athens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Athens or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $3,119/year higher in Athens.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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