Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Sacramento is 81% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,694/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 41%
$83,753/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 42%
$484,600 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 51%
$1,752/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 41%
524,802
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $689/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $8,268/year.

Median household income is $35,217/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $689/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $35,217/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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