Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Orlando is 58% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,650/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 39%
$69,268/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 30%
$359,000 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 34%
$1,621/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 36%
311,732
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $645/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,740/year.

Median household income is $20,732/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Orlando or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $645/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $20,732/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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