Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Lowell is 63% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,603/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 37%
$76,205/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 36%
$395,100 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 40%
$1,672/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 38%
114,799
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $598/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,176/year.

Median household income is $27,669/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Lowell or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $598/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $27,669/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alabama?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/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 Lowell details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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