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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Atlanta is 67% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,617/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 38%
$81,938/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 41%
$420,600 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 44%
$1,695/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 39%
499,287
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $612/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,344/year.

Median household income is $33,402/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Atlanta or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $612/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $33,402/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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