Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Kansas City is 11% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$1,073/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 6%
$59,183/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 18%
$147,100 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 61%
$1,054/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 2%
154,776
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $10,647/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Kansas City or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $10,647/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Alabama?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Tuscaloosa

Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles