Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Cary is 85% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,621/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 38%
$129,399/yr ↑ 167%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 62%
$525,200 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 55%
$1,744/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 40%
176,686
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $80,863/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Cary or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $80,863/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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