Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

St. Paul is 25% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,248/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 19%
$73,055/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 34%
$280,300 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 16%
$1,390/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 25%
307,762
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $24,519/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is St. Paul or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $24,519/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Alabama?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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. Paul details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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