Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Little Rock and Tuscaloosa have a similar cost of living.

$1,067/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 6%
$60,583/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 20%
$221,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 7%
$1,099/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 6%
202,739
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $12,047/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Little Rock or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $12,047/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Alabama?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Little Rock and Tuscaloosa

Little Rock vs. Salt Lake City Little Rock vs. McKinney Little Rock vs. Columbus Little Rock vs. Augusta Little Rock vs. Worcester Little Rock vs. Oxnard Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles