Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Plano is 81% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,792/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 44%
$108,649/yr ↑ 124%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 55%
$440,600 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 46%
$1,829/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 43%
287,339
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $60,113/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Plano or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $60,113/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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