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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Augusta is 8% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$1,087/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 8%
$53,134/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 9%
$162,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 45%
$1,053/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 1%
201,504
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $4,598/year higher in Augusta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Augusta or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $4,598/year higher in Augusta.
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 Augusta or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/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 Augusta details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Augusta and Tuscaloosa

Augusta vs. McKinney Augusta vs. Oxnard Augusta vs. Little Rock Augusta vs. Amarillo Augusta vs. Salt Lake City Augusta vs. Tallahassee Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles