Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Providence is 36% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,333/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 25%
$66,772/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 27%
$322,800 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 27%
$1,467/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 29%
190,214
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $18,236/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Providence or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $18,236/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Alabama?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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