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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Kansas City is 10% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,186/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 15%
$67,449/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 28%
$227,000 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 4%
$1,205/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 14%
508,233
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $18,913/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City 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, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $18,913/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Alabama?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 →

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