Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Lexington is 12% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,101/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 9%
$67,631/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 28%
$272,100 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 13%
$1,160/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 11%
321,122
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $19,095/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Lexington or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $19,095/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Alabama?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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