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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Pittsburgh is 4% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,221/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 18%
$64,137/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 24%
$193,200 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 22%
$1,136/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 9%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $15,601/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $15,601/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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