Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

San Antonio is 12% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,258/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 20%
$62,917/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 23%
$219,700 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 8%
$1,235/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 16%
1,458,954
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $14,381/year higher in San Antonio. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is San Antonio or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $14,381/year higher in San Antonio.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Antonio and Tuscaloosa

San Antonio vs. Philadelphia San Antonio vs. San Diego San Antonio vs. Phoenix San Antonio vs. Dallas San Antonio vs. Houston San Antonio vs. San Jose Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles