Cost of Living: Peoria, IL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Peoria

Illinois
61
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Peoria is 16% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$951/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 6%
$58,716/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 17%
$149,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 58%
$1,007/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 3%
112,126
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Peoria, IL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $10,180/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Peoria is $149,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peoria vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Peoria or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Peoria and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Peoria is $951/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Peoria or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $58,716 in Peoria and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $10,180/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Peoria or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Peoria has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $951/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 Peoria details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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