Cost of Living: Provo, UT vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Provo

Utah
102
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Provo is 40% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,152/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 13%
$62,800/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 23%
$437,100 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 46%
$1,220/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 15%
114,303
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Provo, UT and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $14,264/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Provo is $437,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Provo vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Provo or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Provo and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Provo is $1,152/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Provo or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $62,800 in Provo and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $14,264/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Alabama?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Provo or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Provo has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,152/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 Provo details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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