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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

College Station is 25% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,168/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 14%
$51,776/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 6%
$326,500 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 28%
$1,251/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 17%
122,280
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $3,240/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is College Station or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $3,240/year higher in College Station.
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 College Station or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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