Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Denver is 101% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,770/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 43%
$91,681/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 47%
$586,700 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 60%
$1,839/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 44%
713,734
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $43,145/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Denver or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $43,145/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Alabama?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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