Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Philadelphia is 16% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,323/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 24%
$60,698/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 20%
$232,400 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 2%
$1,233/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 16%
1,582,432
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $12,162/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $12,162/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Alabama?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Tuscaloosa

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles