Santa Ana, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL: 163 vs 73

$1,975/mo ↑ 97%

Median Rent

$1,005/mo ↓ 49%

$88,354/yr ↑ 82%

Median Income

$48,536/yr ↓ 45%

$657,800 ↑ 178%

Home Value

$236,600 ↓ 64%

$1,965/mo ↑ 89%

Owner Costs

$1,038/mo ↓ 47%

311,639

Population

107,699

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $39,818/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Tuscaloosa?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $970/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Tuscaloosa?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $39,818/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Tuscaloosa?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Tuscaloosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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