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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Irving is 40% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,517/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 34%
$79,641/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 39%
$287,300 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 18%
$1,521/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 32%
255,036
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $31,105/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Irving or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $31,105/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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 Irving details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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