Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Hampton is 21% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,346/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 25%
$67,758/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 28%
$234,100 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 1%
$1,347/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 23%
137,334
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $341/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,092/year.

Median household income is $19,222/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Hampton or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $341/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $19,222/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Hampton or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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