Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Kent is 99% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,833/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 45%
$90,416/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 46%
$537,500 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 56%
$1,915/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 46%
135,015
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $828/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $9,936/year.

Median household income is $41,880/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Kent or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $828/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $41,880/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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