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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Garland is 32% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,525/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 34%
$74,717/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 35%
$248,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 5%
$1,445/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 28%
245,298
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $26,181/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Garland or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $26,181/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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