Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

St. Louis is 10% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$978/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 3%
$55,279/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 12%
$185,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 28%
$1,013/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 2%
293,109
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,743/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is St. Louis or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $6,743/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Alabama?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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