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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Dallas is 33% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,403/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 28%
$67,760/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 28%
$295,300 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 20%
$1,409/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 26%
1,299,553
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $19,224/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Dallas or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $19,224/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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