Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Long Beach is 132% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,803/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 44%
$83,969/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 42%
$762,200 ↑ 222%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 69%
$1,890/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 45%
458,491
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $35,433/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Long Beach or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $35,433/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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