Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Portland is 89% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,596/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 37%
$88,792/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 45%
$557,600 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 58%
$1,771/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 41%
642,715
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $40,256/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Portland or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $40,256/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Alabama?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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