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

Palm Bay

Florida
91
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Palm Bay is 25% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,487/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 32%
$67,521/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 28%
$248,000 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 5%
$1,203/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 14%
125,273
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palm Bay, FL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $18,985/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palm Bay is $248,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palm Bay vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Palm Bay or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palm Bay and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,487/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Palm Bay or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $67,521 in Palm Bay and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $18,985/year higher in Palm Bay.
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 Palm Bay or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,487/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 Palm Bay details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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