Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Elizabeth is 53% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,463/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 31%
$63,874/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 24%
$393,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 40%
$1,543/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 33%
135,887
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $15,338/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $15,338/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Alabama?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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