Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Seattle is 168% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,998/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 50%
$121,984/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 60%
$912,100 ↑ 286%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 74%
$2,220/mo ↑ 114%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 53%
741,440
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $993/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $11,916/year.

Median household income is $73,448/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Seattle or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $993/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $73,448/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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