Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Scottsdale is 126% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,910/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 47%
$107,372/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 55%
$709,900 ↑ 200%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 67%
$1,824/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 43%
242,169
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $905/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,860/year.

Median household income is $58,836/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $905/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $58,836/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Tuscaloosa

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles