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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fairfield is 129% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,191/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 54%
$102,321/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 53%
$592,500 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 60%
$2,226/mo ↑ 114%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 53%
119,985
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,186/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $14,232/year.

Median household income is $53,785/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fairfield or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,186/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $53,785/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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