Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Chicago is 37% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,380/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 27%
$75,134/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 35%
$315,200 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 25%
$1,502/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 31%
2,707,648
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $26,598/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Chicago or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $26,598/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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