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

Orange

California
206
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Orange is 182% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,252/mo ↑ 124%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 55%
$116,945/yr ↑ 141%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 58%
$900,700 ↑ 281%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 74%
$2,394/mo ↑ 131%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 57%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,247/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $14,964/year.

Median household income is $68,409/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Orange or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,247/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $68,409/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

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