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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Cambridge is 227% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,742/mo ↑ 173%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 63%
$126,469/yr ↑ 161%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 62%
$1,040,500 ↑ 340%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 77%
$2,634/mo ↑ 154%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 61%
117,794
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

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,737/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $20,844/year.

Median household income is $77,933/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Cambridge or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,737/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $77,933/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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