Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Gilbert is 103% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,028/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 50%
$121,351/yr ↑ 150%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 60%
$518,600 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 54%
$1,908/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 46%
271,118
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,023/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $12,276/year.

Median household income is $72,815/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Gilbert or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,023/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $72,815/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Tuscaloosa

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles