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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Modesto is 64% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,609/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 38%
$77,899/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 38%
$415,600 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 43%
$1,613/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 36%
218,614
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $604/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,248/year.

Median household income is $29,363/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Modesto or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $604/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $29,363/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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