Cost of Living: Springfield, IL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Springfield

Illinois
61
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Springfield is 16% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$945/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 6%
$65,537/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 26%
$155,200 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 52%
$974/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 7%
113,714
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

17.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, IL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $17,001/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $155,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Springfield or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Springfield is $945/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $17,001/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $945/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 Springfield details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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