Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fort Worth is 33% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,412/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 29%
$76,602/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 37%
$277,300 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 15%
$1,489/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 30%
941,311
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $28,066/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $28,066/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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 Fort Worth details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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