Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Boston is 141% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,093/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 52%
$94,755/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 49%
$710,400 ↑ 200%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 67%
$2,176/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 52%
663,972
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,088/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $13,056/year.

Median household income is $46,219/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Boston or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,088/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $46,219/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alabama?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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