Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Syracuse is 19% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$998/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ≈ Same
$45,845/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↑ 6%
$125,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 89%
$980/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 6%
146,211
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,691/year higher in Tuscaloosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Syracuse or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $2,691/year higher in Tuscaloosa.
How do taxes compare between New York and Alabama?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/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 Syracuse details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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