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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Carrollton is 59% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,674/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 40%
$99,115/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 51%
$353,600 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 33%
$1,689/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 39%
132,741
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $50,579/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Carrollton or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $50,579/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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