Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Surprise is 73% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,917/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 48%
$93,371/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 48%
$396,000 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 40%
$1,587/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 35%
149,519
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $912/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,944/year.

Median household income is $44,835/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Surprise or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $912/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $44,835/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Tuscaloosa

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles