Cost of Living: South Fulton, GA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

South Fulton

Georgia
103
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

South Fulton is 30% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,607/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 37%
$81,798/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 41%
$270,600 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 13%
$1,541/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 33%
109,157
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing South Fulton, GA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $602/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,224/year.

Median household income is $33,262/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in South Fulton is $270,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

South Fulton vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is South Fulton or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between South Fulton and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in South Fulton is $1,607/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $602/month.
Which city has higher income, South Fulton or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $81,798 in South Fulton and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $33,262/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% 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 South Fulton or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,607/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.
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