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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Austin is 84% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,655/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 39%
$91,461/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 47%
$512,700 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 54%
$1,747/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 41%
967,862
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $42,925/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Austin or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $42,925/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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