Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Bellevue is 242% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,505/mo ↑ 149%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 60%
$161,300/yr ↑ 232%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 70%
$1,203,100 ↑ 408%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 80%
$2,586/mo ↑ 149%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 60%
151,199
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,500/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $18,000/year.

Median household income is $112,764/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Bellevue or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,500/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $112,764/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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