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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fullerton is 167% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,124/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 53%
$104,219/yr ↑ 115%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 53%
$859,600 ↑ 263%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 72%
$2,251/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 54%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,119/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $13,428/year.

Median household income is $55,683/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fullerton or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,119/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $55,683/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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