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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fresno is 38% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,324/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 24%
$66,804/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 27%
$348,500 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 32%
$1,391/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 25%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $18,268/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fresno or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $18,268/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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