Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Raleigh is 51% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,468/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 32%
$82,424/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 41%
$377,800 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 37%
$1,487/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 30%
470,763
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $33,888/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Raleigh or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $33,888/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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