Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Oklahoma City and Tuscaloosa have a similar cost of living.

$1,083/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 7%
$66,702/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 27%
$215,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 10%
$1,133/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 8%
688,693
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $18,166/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Oklahoma City has a lower income tax rate, making Oklahoma City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $18,166/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Alabama?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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