Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Durham is 44% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,412/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 29%
$79,234/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 39%
$355,300 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 33%
$1,434/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 28%
288,465
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $30,698/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Durham or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $30,698/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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