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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Ontario is 108% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,916/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 48%
$82,806/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 41%
$568,000 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 58%
$1,967/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 47%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $911/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,932/year.

Median household income is $34,270/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Ontario or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $911/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $34,270/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Tuscaloosa

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles