Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Los Angeles is 156% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,879/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 47%
$80,366/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 40%
$879,500 ↑ 272%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 73%
$2,055/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 49%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $31,830/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $31,830/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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