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

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

El Paso is 8% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$1,041/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 3%
$58,734/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 17%
$171,700 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 38%
$1,044/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ≈ Same
678,147
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,198/year higher in El Paso. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is El Paso or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $10,198/year higher in El Paso.
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 El Paso or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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 El Paso details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for El Paso and Tuscaloosa

El Paso vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Washington El Paso vs. Oklahoma City El Paso vs. Boston El Paso vs. Denver El Paso vs. Las Vegas Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles