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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Salem is 44% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,323/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 24%
$71,900/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 32%
$382,400 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 38%
$1,440/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 28%
176,666
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $23,364/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Salem or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $23,364/year higher in Salem.
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 Salem or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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