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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Killeen and Tuscaloosa have a similar cost of living.

$1,147/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 12%
$58,339/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 17%
$196,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 21%
$1,176/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 12%
156,144
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $9,803/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Killeen or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $9,803/year higher in Killeen.
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 Killeen or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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