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

Odessa

Texas
83
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Odessa is 14% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,322/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 24%
$73,030/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 34%
$208,000 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 14%
$1,251/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 17%
114,080
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Odessa, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $24,494/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Odessa is $208,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Odessa vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Odessa or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Odessa and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Odessa is $1,322/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Odessa or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $73,030 in Odessa and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $24,494/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Odessa has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,322/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 Odessa details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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