Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Nashville is 51% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,486/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 32%
$75,197/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 35%
$383,100 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 38%
$1,471/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 29%
684,298
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $26,661/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Nashville or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $26,661/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Alabama?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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