Cost of Living: Downey, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Downey

California
169
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Downey is 132% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,892/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 47%
$87,400/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 44%
$728,500 ↑ 208%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 68%
$1,997/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 48%
111,793
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Downey, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $887/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,644/year.

Median household income is $38,864/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Downey is $728,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Downey vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Downey or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Downey and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Downey is $1,892/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $887/month.
Which city has higher income, Downey or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $87,400 in Downey and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $38,864/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Downey or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Downey has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,892/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 Downey details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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