Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Lakewood is 93% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,746/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 42%
$85,789/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 43%
$548,200 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 57%
$1,729/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 40%
156,309
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $741/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $8,892/year.

Median household income is $37,253/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Lakewood or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $741/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $37,253/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Alabama?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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