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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Denton is 37% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,344/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 25%
$73,719/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 34%
$325,700 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 27%
$1,461/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 29%
146,987
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $25,183/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Denton 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 Denton and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $25,183/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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