Cost of Living: Midland, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Midland is 36% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,407/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 29%
$91,169/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 47%
$298,600 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 21%
$1,468/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 29%
133,998
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $402/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,824/year.

Median household income is $42,633/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Midland or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $402/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $42,633/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Midland or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/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 Midland details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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