Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Cleveland is 30% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$894/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 12%
$39,187/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↑ 24%
$94,100 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 151%
$866/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 20%
367,523
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $9,349/year higher in Tuscaloosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Cleveland or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $9,349/year higher in Tuscaloosa.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Alabama?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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