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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Pasadena is 201% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,218/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 55%
$103,778/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 53%
$1,045,000 ↑ 342%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 77%
$2,340/mo ↑ 125%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 56%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,213/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $14,556/year.

Median household income is $55,242/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Pasadena or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,213/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $55,242/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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