Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Madison is 41% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,364/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 26%
$76,983/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 37%
$346,900 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 32%
$1,476/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 30%
275,568
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $28,447/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Madison or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $28,447/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Alabama?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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